Overhaulin'

Putting on a classic car show. Can I get some input please?

Okay, Our non profit organization wants to start an annual car show in Santa Barbara, California. To get the community more involved in our organization, as well as people outside Santa Barbara. We have a new program but need to raise more money for it to start. The cars don't really necessarily need to be limited to just cars. I've never put one on before, been to a few and even entered a couple back in the days. Many years ago. I know times may have changed by then. I have a couple questions for all car club members, people who have been to these shows, or anyone that can give me ideas. 1. Does anyone have any contact information on other car clubs. What is the appropriate way to invite other car clubs to this car show and have them bring there cars to enter into a contest. 2. What catagories are the normal for trophies? I can't remember the names. I just have years stuck in my head. Do they do 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies? Or just 1st place? Do they have best all around trophies? Do people still do the car hopping contest? Stereo sound and anything else that I can think of? 3. We're going to be doing a silent auction/BBQ as well. What type of side dishes do they usually serve at shows these days. I remember just tri-tip sandwhiches and sodas and chips. I would like to do a little more then that! LOL 4. Do they still have those really cool looking Schwin bikes that people show or other brand names? Should I include that? 5. What is the going rate for Entry fees to enter the vehicles into the contests? 6. Do they usually charge spectators, or should we sale raffle tickets as the admission fee?? Those are the main questions. But if I'm missing anything, please let me know your ideas. Thank you so much in advance! I'm excited about this, but also can't remember what all was involved! LOL I just remember sitting next to my truck for hours.

Public Comments

1. As a non-profit wanting to make money, the first thing you do is get sponsors so all the basic cost of the show is covered so there is no risk to your organization if nobody shows up or if it rained out. Then you get lots of liability insurance. Then you sell T-shirts (or given them as part of admission fee, if site can have controlled access) with all the sponsors listed on the back. "Classic" don't you mean "Custom"? Classic cars are old and expensive and nobody is allowed in them and they don't Hop. You don't handle the food, you hire a caterer, because the food handling regulations are so complicated - especially in Calif.
2. There's a wealth of information on this on the internet, but nothing will be as valuable to you as someone who has already put on some car shows. There's a good club called the Six Pack Road Club. They can help you.