Shaw's (Again)

After receiving several emails and a comment posted, it seems more than a few folks were sorely disappointed with the Shaw's Ridge show. More than one referred to it as an "all day cruise" rather than a show. And some were disappointed that there was only one award per class. Several mentioned the lack of proper judging.

I know times are tough, but there is still no excuse for so few awards when you consider the cost for awards versus the loss of participants next year if you skimp on awards (a number of folks have already commented they will not go to OOB this year because they cut back to 2 trophies per class). With nearly 300 cars on the field, the show took in nearly $1500 just from registrations, and that would allow a nice profit even if they had forked out for 3 awards per class. Most shows have far, far fewer cars, yet still manage to have adequate awards. Particularly if you utilize at least some sponsors. Sponsors are getting tight-fisted in this economy, too, and that is understandable. But for them it is good advertising to a very targeted market, and a tax write-off, so sponsors are still out there. If you have to work to get them, so be it. Either put in the effort a show requires, or find another way to raise funds. Everyone who provides a product or service they charge for has an obligation to provide a quality product or service. Car shows are no exception.

Another comment made by some is the now expected (of Frank's show) late delivery of the award ceremony. It is still thought to be too late in the day, as many participants have to travel 30-90 minutes to get home. Frank may want to consider having the ceremony an hour earlier next year. As it is now, even before I left I observed several cars leaving early when it was discovered that the show would not likely end before 4pm. I would guess they did not wish to wait that long for just one award per class.

Judging seems to have come off as I expected - judges were not qualified to judge (some would not know a Chevy from a Ford), did not look over all vehicles with equality, and ignored many.

I still stand by my earlier comment that the show (or gathering, if you will) was successful in that almost all had a good time. But I feel it is important to note that there were things that need serious improvement if Shaw's Ridge wants to remain a place where the folks want to go.

Suggestions I would make:

1) Open on time. It is not good to have traffic blocked for a quarter mile, with folks sitting on their thumbs. You have a year to get organized. Don't wait until 8am on show day to do that.

2) If you are going to put all the registration material in the "goody bag", tell the folks, so they don't waste time running back to their car get registration papers

3) CRITICAL: if the show is to be judged, get QUALIFIED and fair judges. Otherwise, the show is a bad joke.

4) Have adequate awards, no matter what it costs. Even if they have to be small. Or inexpensive certificates in a frame. SOMETHING that tells the folks that it's not "all about me and my charity", but also about the folks you are asking to provide the money for your charity.

And, while I am well aware that Frank prefers an Art Show to a Car Show, he could still come up with a better classing system that is fair to all, and still maintain his art. Even at an art show folks should not be expected to compete with others in a different class. John Doe cannot compete against Van Gogh or Michaelangelo. And a stock '50's vehicle cannot compete with a custom '50's vehicle. In fact, separating them would be even more "artsy" - you could have the two classes side by side, to show folks the art that the car folks put into a vehicle even after Detroit (or Japan) is done doing their thing. The point is, if you are going to bring several hundred vehicles together, presumably to compete, then make it fair. Otherwise, just have an "all day cruise" without the farce of awards.

Yes, I know that some people might comment that it isn't about the awards. But that is not necessarily true. Just because some folks feel that way does not mean everyone shares that philosophy. Many (most) people are competitive, and they strive for them. There is nothing wrong with that, either. It's only wrong when the trophy means so much that a person will cheat to get it. Otherwise, having awards is a healthy thing, as it fosters competition. And it is competition that made America great and strong. Competition gets us to try harder, and improve our vehicles. And that is a good thing.

/