Acton

While I have never been to any Acton show, based on the letters I have been receiving I doubt I ever will. Here is just one example of the letters that have come in:

"This was my first trip to the Acton Car Show. As far as a first impression, it was very confusing. There was no rime of reason for the parking of show cars. There were no classes and as far as trophies, well that seemed a story all of it's own. Seems they had some folks walking around and picking out cars to get a trophy. No first, second, or third place in any class, just a call out on the mic of your name and what you had for a car and for you to come get a trophy???"

While the Acton folks can certainly run their show any way they choose, it really does not sound like the sort of event that would be of any interest to me, as far as the show, itself, is concerned. I like a little organization.

One commenter states that the Acton show simply used an Open Field judging system that many folks do not understand - all vehicles on the field compete with every other vehicle. That is all well and good, and most seasoned show-goers understand that. But it leaves the door open to the question of the judging - are the judges actually qualified, and what makes them qualified? Did they check out ALL the vehicles, or just gravitate toward the styles they personally like? Are they locals, voting mostly for locals? From the sound of the letters I have received, these are valid questions that are as yet unanswered.

I don't have a problem with an open field system - it is what I am used to, having lived in the larger metro areas of Atlanta, New York (White Plains), Phoenix (actually, Sedona) and Long Beach. However, the system should never, ever be used except when truly qualified, unbiased judges are available, and they use a valid points system and give every vehicle a thorough going over. Otherwise, it is just a sham.

I do not know the answers to those questions as far as Acton is concerned - it is for the attendees, themselves, to determine.

If you attended the Acton show and wish to post an opposing view, feel free to send the details and I would be happy to post.

/