Naples

We went to the show in Naples, ME on Sunday. And I really don't know where to begin this post.

When we arrived, there was no one to show us in, or point us in the right direction. For the rest of the day, finding anyone on "staff" would be difficult. They just didn't seem all that interested.

In fact, Ralph Stowell tried several times to pay his entry fee, and the lady kept saying she'd be right back, but never returned. I think she thought that Ralph was so old, maybe he was GOD, so she was afraid to charge him.

No classes were set up, so the first 20 (of 35) cars just parked together. Later, they would put up signs for classes, expecting everyone to move. They didn't. Once the lawn chairs are out, that's it!

Well, come to find out, they did not need any classes, anyway, because there was only one trophy, for Best of Show. That's fine - but why the fuss about classes, or where to park? Without trophies for classes, classes are not relevant.

We never saw the person selling 50/50's until it was time for the drawing. Again, it really seemed like the people putting on the show were not all that interested.

Now, for the good part - the weather was super for a change. The cars were really sweet (the trucks, too). And, as usual, the folks were great - some we have not seen since last year. Since the American Legion pretty much stayed away, leaving us to our own devices, we managed to mingle and have a good time.

I was just getting ready to make our picnic lunches at 12:30 when a staff person asked us all to go to the lounge for the award and prizes. So, we didn't get lunch. I though this was a strange time for awards, but that's OK - it allowed me to get home in time to do some planting.

To summarize: rather than a show, it was more like a small, pleasant, informal gathering. Really nice, as long as the weather is nice and there are no expectations of anything organized. But it would have been better if the organizers actually organized it, and put at least a little effort into it, but they did not. We went to the trouble and expense of attending their show - the least they could do is organize it, and make us feel welcome.

And I really think if an organization is going to charge participants a $5.00 entry fee, they really need to offer something more than a place to park. After all, we are spending $4.00 a gallon to get there, then $5.00 entry fee. For that, there should be some expectation of making it a worthwhile trip.

Next year, if there is nothing else going on when this show is held, and if the weather is really nice, I may go. But if there is anything else on the calendar, or the weather is anything less than stellar, I won't, because it's would not be worth the trip.

Next Sunday: Sacopee Valley, at Hiram Elementary School.

And for all you cruise-goers out there, don't forget that Super Cruise balloting will be taking place at TJ's Pizza, in Biddeford on Thursday.

And please check out the T-Shirt design for HotKarz, then vote on whether you might like one and whether we should offer them as a means to support this website.

Later!

Bill