Stratham Hill Car Show

The galleries for Stratham are now up - both the show, and the winner's circle.

For those of you who were there, I need not tell you what this show was like. We know two things - we had a great time, but there was absolutely no sign of anby organization.

As mentioned in a previous post, the class structure was about the worst we have ever encountered. And the field was not laid out with any organization - for example, there were Special interest vehicles in almost every section of the field, scattered all over.

And they apparently did not learn from last year as to how to get folks through the gate - like last year, we had to shut off our cars and wait to get in - about 20 minutes.

But we had a great time, and vistited with folks we haven't seen in a couple weeks. And there were a lot of great cars, many of which we have not seen before. And I thank everyone who shared their vehicles with us.

Dear, sweet Cheryl - I'm not sure just how many times she got to ride up into the Winner's Circle - she kept hitchin' rides with the winners. Stan was wondering if it would be legal to hobble her.

And here's a new one - Big Jim's '66 Satellite placed in '70's to Present! No one is sure how that happened, but it certainly did.

But here is an important note - and I am very happy to report it. I was approached by a very nice fellow, John Tymann of the Scouts. He will be taking over the organization of this show next year. It will be his first time at this, and he was well aware of the problems with this show, and is determined to improve the show for next year. He tracked me down and requested a copy of "The Complete Car Show", to use as a guide. I was all to happy to give him a free copy. Judging from the fact that a) he is new to this, so is open to suggestions, and b) recognized problems, and c) requested the book, I feel confident this will be one of the great shows next year.

It is gratifying to know that organizers are beginning to understand that any show can be improved, and improving it can mean greater profits. And I like to think that HotKarz is at least partly responsible for this new outlook. And it can only get better - I brought a whole case of books (The Complete Car Show) to the show, and they just flew - I only have two copies left, and must now get more printed ASAP.

But I must say I was disappointed that only one person from Maine even asked about the petition to protect our right to restore cars. If we are not willing to stand up and fight, then we may as well kiss this hobby goodbye. And we'll have no one to blame but ourselves.

I will say this - this is a fight we cannot leave up to others. It is too "specific". It does not concern most folks - but it most certainly affects us car folk. If we want to preserve our hobby, then it is WE who must fight for it. Each of us.

And it is not difficult - all you have to do is make a couple copies of the petition, (or ask me to email or mail copies to you) and just ask your friends and relatives to sign. No one is asking you to stand out in front of Hannaford's, accosting shoppers. No - just get your own circle of folks to sign. Bring a copy to a club meeting and beat the Hell out of anyone who won't sign :o). Visit Mom and Dad and tell 'em if they sign, you'll stay away for at least a month. Leave a copy out for customers to sign. But we have to do this, folks. The legislature will not take action unless and until they have legal justification for doing so. And that requires a petition.

'Nuff said.