For those who may be interested, a fellow by the name of Bob Dwyer took pix at Settler's green and posted them on his site at http://www.linwoodstreet.com/valley. Pretty good pix - there are two pages of them. Thanks, Bob, for sharing.
Ken Matthews would like to remind the volunteers for the Two Trails Cruisers Show to be at the WalMart in Windham at 4:00 pm on Friday, September 19th, and show up not later than 7:00 am on Saturday, September 20th.
Don't forget (as if you could) about the OOB cruise on Friday and the show on Saturday. It looks to be bigger than ever.
Will Paul Hanson and Bob Johnson please report to the Principal's Office - sorry - I mean, please go to Two Trails Diner on Rte 25 in Standish, to pick up the trophies you won at the Kiwanis car show last month. Gib doesn't want to have to dust them anymore.
From a reader who went to the Nationals this last weekend (sorry for the caps - I did not want to rewrite the letter):
"WELL HELLO BILL !!!! WE JUST GOT BACK FROM QUITE A WEEKEND . WE WENT TO THE ATLANATIC NATIONALS IN LAKE GEORGE NEW YORK . HAD A GREAT TIME . AT THIS SHOW THEY TAKE ONLY 1550 CARS - UNBELIEVABLE. AND OUT OF THOSE CARS THEY PICK THE FAVORITE FIFTY. WELL THIS YEAR IT WAS THEIR 25TH ANNIVERSARY SO THEY ADDED ANOTHER FAVORITE 50. THE TROPHYS WERE COOL . THEY BOUGHT ALL OF THE OLD PARKING METERS IN TOWN AND HAD THEM MADE INTO A TROPHY , THE SECOND TOP 50 CARS GOT TOP FAVORITE JACKETS AND A HAT AND A CHANCE TO COME BACK NEXT YEAR . WELL A MAN AND HIS WIFE MADE IT FROM MAINE . BOB AND PAM REED WON WITH THEIR FORD TRUCK AND I COULDN’T BE HAPPIER OUT OF 1500 CARS . SO WHEN YOU SEE HIM AT ANY SHOWS CONGRATULATE HIM CAUSE THAT IS A GREAT HONOR . AFTER THE SHOW WAS OVER ON SATURDAY THEY HAD A CRUISE LOOKED LIKE SOMETHING OUT OF THE PAST CARS CRUISING EVERYWHERE . STAN AND I LEFT ON SUNDAY AND DROVE TO NASHUA NEW HAMPHIRE TO THE EAST COAST CAMARO SHOW A LOT OF CARS THERE TOO. WE GOT THIRD PLACE AND THE LONG DISTANCE TROPY DRIVING AS 87 MILES TO GET THERE . WE WILL BE IN LOUDON THIS WEEKEND SO WE WILL SEE YA AT WALMART."
Congratulations, Bob & Pam - you represent Maine well!
For all you readers - as you know, HotKarz posts over 2000 pix each year, so the odds are pretty good there are pix that you may want to save, or use. You are free to do so, for any non-commercial purpose. To save a pic, simply right-click on it, then choose SAVE PICTURE AS... and copy it to your computer.
Well, the garden is done for this season, so we won't have any more free veggies at the cruises. The air is chillin', the days getting shorter, and the fall fairs are almost upon us. Can next spring be far behind?
Yeah - it can (*o*)
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Some STILL do not get it!!!!
Here is the latest comment from that fellow who does not think Special Interest should be "Special Interest". This entry is directed at him, explicitly. Here is his comment (posted to the last blog):
"So what is special interest?? From your stand point nothing is so if the organizers want these cars in their shows and YOU don't think they belong in special interest than lets have a class called the loner cars would that make you happy? If we Mainers aren't up to your standards then why don't you stay home then we won't upset you. "
[REPLY] I have said this at least 30 times on this website - Special Interest is any vehicle that actually does have a SPECIAL interest. Something that gives it a special connotation to the public in general. There is nothing of special interest in a stock vehicle, unless it is one-of-a-kind. There is nothing special interest in a Corvette or Mustang unless there is something very unusual or unique about it, which would generate a SPECIAL interest. If the vehicle cannot be legitimately defined as having a unique, special interest, then it does not belong in Special Interest. It does not take a degree in common sense to figure that out.
And it has nothing to do with "my standpoint". Facts are facts, and do not change simply because of a different angle of view. And as I have ALREADY said (many times), show organizers who want a class for any "orphans" should include that class - nationally, the ORPHAN class is used widely as a legitimate class for any vehicle that does not fit into any other listed class. And some shows call the class GENERAL INTEREST, or FIELD class. I guess you must have missed that.
And for your arrogant, ignorant statement that if "Mainers aren't up to your standards then why don't you stay home then we won't upset you", that is not even an intelligent enough remark to warrant a response for two reasons:
1) I live in Maine, too, and
2) It matters not where a person lives - right and wrong is not dictated by geographical area.
So, I have a suggestion for you, fella: if you want to disagree about classes, that is your choice. But don't try to defend something that is so obviously wrong. And if you still cannot see the difference between "Special Interest" and just any old vehicle, get out your dictionary and look up the definition of SPECIAL and INTEREST. Maybe then you will have a clue.
From Merriam Webster Dictionary:
SPECIAL: distinguished by some unusual quality; unique; being other than the usual : designed for a particular purpose or occasion
INTEREST: a feeling that accompanies or causes special attention to an object or class of objects
So, a vehicle in Special Interest should be uniquely distinguishable from the usual, and/or designed for a particular purpose (as I said, like a firetruck, MASH jeep, tank, surf wagon, etc.) which would peak the interest of the public at large.
Now, if you think a stock Firebird, or a stock Caddy, or a stock '67 pickup truck somehow fit that definition, then you need help that is beyond the scope of this blog.
"So what is special interest?? From your stand point nothing is so if the organizers want these cars in their shows and YOU don't think they belong in special interest than lets have a class called the loner cars would that make you happy? If we Mainers aren't up to your standards then why don't you stay home then we won't upset you. "
[REPLY] I have said this at least 30 times on this website - Special Interest is any vehicle that actually does have a SPECIAL interest. Something that gives it a special connotation to the public in general. There is nothing of special interest in a stock vehicle, unless it is one-of-a-kind. There is nothing special interest in a Corvette or Mustang unless there is something very unusual or unique about it, which would generate a SPECIAL interest. If the vehicle cannot be legitimately defined as having a unique, special interest, then it does not belong in Special Interest. It does not take a degree in common sense to figure that out.
And it has nothing to do with "my standpoint". Facts are facts, and do not change simply because of a different angle of view. And as I have ALREADY said (many times), show organizers who want a class for any "orphans" should include that class - nationally, the ORPHAN class is used widely as a legitimate class for any vehicle that does not fit into any other listed class. And some shows call the class GENERAL INTEREST, or FIELD class. I guess you must have missed that.
And for your arrogant, ignorant statement that if "Mainers aren't up to your standards then why don't you stay home then we won't upset you", that is not even an intelligent enough remark to warrant a response for two reasons:
1) I live in Maine, too, and
2) It matters not where a person lives - right and wrong is not dictated by geographical area.
So, I have a suggestion for you, fella: if you want to disagree about classes, that is your choice. But don't try to defend something that is so obviously wrong. And if you still cannot see the difference between "Special Interest" and just any old vehicle, get out your dictionary and look up the definition of SPECIAL and INTEREST. Maybe then you will have a clue.
From Merriam Webster Dictionary:
SPECIAL: distinguished by some unusual quality; unique; being other than the usual : designed for a particular purpose or occasion
INTEREST: a feeling that accompanies or causes special attention to an object or class of objects
So, a vehicle in Special Interest should be uniquely distinguishable from the usual, and/or designed for a particular purpose (as I said, like a firetruck, MASH jeep, tank, surf wagon, etc.) which would peak the interest of the public at large.
Now, if you think a stock Firebird, or a stock Caddy, or a stock '67 pickup truck somehow fit that definition, then you need help that is beyond the scope of this blog.
Special Interest
Another person who commented says that it is his belief that SPECIAL INTEREST is a class specifically for any car without a class. It need not be "special interest". "It's been done this way for years". Hm-m-m. Does that mean I can register my PT with the Camaros, because "Camaro" does not mean Camaro?
As for the suggestion that it has always been done this way: is it OK to abuse your kids today just because you have been doing it for years without getting caught? Of course not. Just because it has been done for years does not make it right.
The commenter is 100% WRONG! Special Interest means SPECIAL INTEREST, just like Mustangs means MUSTANGS. And Special Interest means the vehicle must have a "special" interest for the general public. The name of a class DESCRIBES what is to be in that class. The name of the class defines it.
Shows that want to include a class for every vehicle that is an "orphan" from all listed classes would typically have a class named, appropriately enough, ORPHANS. Some shows give it a more aesthetic name, such as GENERAL INTEREST or FIELD class. But Special Interest is a legitimate class, and needs to be treated as such if the show is to retain legitimacy.
Just because a lot of shows - and participants - have abused a class for years does not make it right.
I understand that Maine is not all that "up to snuff" with many things, including car shows. Mainers have a tendancy to do what is expedient, which is an admirable Yankee characteristic. But there comes a time when expediency must give way to what is honest and fair to all, and leave the slip-shod methods behind that leave some folks out in the cold. In most of the country, car shows are run in accordance with a somewhat strict set of standards, to insure fairness and honesty.
No, not all shows are the same - there are many TYPES of car shows. But regardless of type, the shows, themselves, are expected to follow certain standards, for the sake of legitimacy. The reason, of course, is simple: the value of a vehicle is often determined in part by its ability to win top honors - just like a dog or horse show. For those values to be legitimate, the winning must also be legitimate. It is fraudulent to increase the value of something based on false information. So, if trophies are not won by legitimate means, in a fair competition, it is crooked to use such awards as a means of placing a higher value on the vehicle.
Everyone should want to play on a level playing field. And it is in everyone's best interest to do so.
As for the suggestion that it has always been done this way: is it OK to abuse your kids today just because you have been doing it for years without getting caught? Of course not. Just because it has been done for years does not make it right.
The commenter is 100% WRONG! Special Interest means SPECIAL INTEREST, just like Mustangs means MUSTANGS. And Special Interest means the vehicle must have a "special" interest for the general public. The name of a class DESCRIBES what is to be in that class. The name of the class defines it.
Shows that want to include a class for every vehicle that is an "orphan" from all listed classes would typically have a class named, appropriately enough, ORPHANS. Some shows give it a more aesthetic name, such as GENERAL INTEREST or FIELD class. But Special Interest is a legitimate class, and needs to be treated as such if the show is to retain legitimacy.
Just because a lot of shows - and participants - have abused a class for years does not make it right.
I understand that Maine is not all that "up to snuff" with many things, including car shows. Mainers have a tendancy to do what is expedient, which is an admirable Yankee characteristic. But there comes a time when expediency must give way to what is honest and fair to all, and leave the slip-shod methods behind that leave some folks out in the cold. In most of the country, car shows are run in accordance with a somewhat strict set of standards, to insure fairness and honesty.
No, not all shows are the same - there are many TYPES of car shows. But regardless of type, the shows, themselves, are expected to follow certain standards, for the sake of legitimacy. The reason, of course, is simple: the value of a vehicle is often determined in part by its ability to win top honors - just like a dog or horse show. For those values to be legitimate, the winning must also be legitimate. It is fraudulent to increase the value of something based on false information. So, if trophies are not won by legitimate means, in a fair competition, it is crooked to use such awards as a means of placing a higher value on the vehicle.
Everyone should want to play on a level playing field. And it is in everyone's best interest to do so.
The Lantern In The Barn
One reader (see COMMENTS below last post) asked that I elaborate on a true story that expresses, to some degree, the problems that some of us experience, not only with shows, but in other areas of life, as well. It has to do with "getting used to" problems to the point where we no longer "see" them. Here is part of the letter I shared with that reader earlier:
"After awhile, folks get accustomed to something, then stop seeing it. I remember our barn when I was a kid. Ever since I was born, there was always a lantern (no longer used) hanging on a hook just inside the door. One day I walked into the barn, and noticed something was different. Couldn't put my finger on it - but I knew something was not right. That evening I told my dad about that feeling. He then told me that he had finally tossed out the old lantern.
"All those years of walking right by it, but never really noticing it anymore because it was just "always there".
How many times have you grown so accustomed to something - a lantern on the wall; a problem at work; or even a spouse - that you just stop "seeing" it? Taking it for granted. I think that is what has happened to car shows. It used to be a thing of honor, to compete honestly. But as in all things, a few people who are either unthinking, or in some cases just dishonest, begin taking advantage, and in an attempt to win, they stoop to a lower level. At first, it is only one or two people, so we look askance at them, but say nothing. And because we say nothing, the problem slowly grows, like any infection, fungus or weed. Left untended in fertile ground, anything will grow.
And as it grew, we became rather numb to it. We figured we could do nothing about it, so we began ignoring it. And today, such problems have gotten almost out of control.
But they are not out of control yet. We have the opportunity to clean it up, and make it better for everyone except the cheaters. We can do that by monitoring ourselves, and by confronting organizers who allow, or even encourage it.
To monitor ourselves, simply THINK before you vote - first and foremost, your vote should never go for any vehicle that is out of its class. And you should avoid the trap of voting in the "buddy system". It's time that the winners were the vehicles that actually deserve to win, and not just the folks who have the most friends and relatives present. It's not supposed to be a popularity contest. And if you see someone overtly cheating, talk to them - not in a confrontation, but as a friend.
And when organizers allow, or encourage cheating by allowing class jumping, or sticking cars in the wrong classes, we need to speak up, and let them know if they do not enforce their classes, or provide adequate services and organization, we will stop going to their shows. That will get their attention, and it WILL result in better shows, simply because their primary purpose is to raise funds - and they cannot do that if folks stop going to their shows.
If we pull together, we can get the monkey back into its cage. If we do not, the monkey will raise havoc with us all, and eventually ruin it for everyone.
If you fail to tend your garden, the weeds will overtake it.
"After awhile, folks get accustomed to something, then stop seeing it. I remember our barn when I was a kid. Ever since I was born, there was always a lantern (no longer used) hanging on a hook just inside the door. One day I walked into the barn, and noticed something was different. Couldn't put my finger on it - but I knew something was not right. That evening I told my dad about that feeling. He then told me that he had finally tossed out the old lantern.
"All those years of walking right by it, but never really noticing it anymore because it was just "always there".
How many times have you grown so accustomed to something - a lantern on the wall; a problem at work; or even a spouse - that you just stop "seeing" it? Taking it for granted. I think that is what has happened to car shows. It used to be a thing of honor, to compete honestly. But as in all things, a few people who are either unthinking, or in some cases just dishonest, begin taking advantage, and in an attempt to win, they stoop to a lower level. At first, it is only one or two people, so we look askance at them, but say nothing. And because we say nothing, the problem slowly grows, like any infection, fungus or weed. Left untended in fertile ground, anything will grow.
And as it grew, we became rather numb to it. We figured we could do nothing about it, so we began ignoring it. And today, such problems have gotten almost out of control.
But they are not out of control yet. We have the opportunity to clean it up, and make it better for everyone except the cheaters. We can do that by monitoring ourselves, and by confronting organizers who allow, or even encourage it.
To monitor ourselves, simply THINK before you vote - first and foremost, your vote should never go for any vehicle that is out of its class. And you should avoid the trap of voting in the "buddy system". It's time that the winners were the vehicles that actually deserve to win, and not just the folks who have the most friends and relatives present. It's not supposed to be a popularity contest. And if you see someone overtly cheating, talk to them - not in a confrontation, but as a friend.
And when organizers allow, or encourage cheating by allowing class jumping, or sticking cars in the wrong classes, we need to speak up, and let them know if they do not enforce their classes, or provide adequate services and organization, we will stop going to their shows. That will get their attention, and it WILL result in better shows, simply because their primary purpose is to raise funds - and they cannot do that if folks stop going to their shows.
If we pull together, we can get the monkey back into its cage. If we do not, the monkey will raise havoc with us all, and eventually ruin it for everyone.
If you fail to tend your garden, the weeds will overtake it.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Gettin' It
I am uncertain how it is that some folks have so much difficulty understanding a simple concept.
As I was enjoying the company of friends at C.H.O.P. this evening, a man approached and told me he owned one of the cars that was wrongly in Special Interest at the Windham show on Sunday. He went on to say that he registered in Special Interest because they did not have a class for him.
With all due respect, this person, and others like him just aren't getting it. If a show does not have a class for you, DON'T GO! It is wrong, and dishonest, to register in a class you do not belong in, regardless of what reason you think you may have. When show organizers choose classes, whether they realize it or not they are creating their "invitation list". If there is not a class for you, then you are not invited.
So, they did not have a class for this fellow. So why didn't he register his stock Firebird with the Mustangs? Or the Corvettes? Or the 2WD Trucks? Of course, the reason is obvious - his car did not belong in those classes. And that is my point - it did not belong in Special Interest, either! There is nothing of SPECIAL Interest in a stock Firebird. So it did not belong in the class. Period!
If you would not register a stock Fbird in with Mustangs or Camaros, don't register it in Special Interest, either.
The ONLY vehicles that belong in Special Interest - EVER - are those vehicles that have a SPECIAL INTEREST. And just because you may have a special interest in your vehicle, that does not mean it has a special interest. The special interest must be for the general public.
If your vehicle does not have a special theme (firetruck, military jeep, surf wagon, VW Hippie Bus, or a model A that has a built-in popcorn machine), or if it is not unique (SnoCat, tank, or the "One Piece At A Time" Caddy), then it does not belong in special interest.
So, to this gentleman I would ask: if the show had a Firebird class, but not a Special Interest class, do you think it would be appropriate for me to register my PT Woody in your Firebird class? After all, if they do not have a class for me, shouldn't I be able to register in your class?
At the risk of repeating myself about 2,531 times: no one should register in ANY class that is not a good and appropriate fit for their vehicle. If they do, they are cheating everyone who is in that class legitimately.
Like the saying goes: I don't swim in your toilet, so don't piss in my pool.
As I was enjoying the company of friends at C.H.O.P. this evening, a man approached and told me he owned one of the cars that was wrongly in Special Interest at the Windham show on Sunday. He went on to say that he registered in Special Interest because they did not have a class for him.
With all due respect, this person, and others like him just aren't getting it. If a show does not have a class for you, DON'T GO! It is wrong, and dishonest, to register in a class you do not belong in, regardless of what reason you think you may have. When show organizers choose classes, whether they realize it or not they are creating their "invitation list". If there is not a class for you, then you are not invited.
So, they did not have a class for this fellow. So why didn't he register his stock Firebird with the Mustangs? Or the Corvettes? Or the 2WD Trucks? Of course, the reason is obvious - his car did not belong in those classes. And that is my point - it did not belong in Special Interest, either! There is nothing of SPECIAL Interest in a stock Firebird. So it did not belong in the class. Period!
If you would not register a stock Fbird in with Mustangs or Camaros, don't register it in Special Interest, either.
The ONLY vehicles that belong in Special Interest - EVER - are those vehicles that have a SPECIAL INTEREST. And just because you may have a special interest in your vehicle, that does not mean it has a special interest. The special interest must be for the general public.
If your vehicle does not have a special theme (firetruck, military jeep, surf wagon, VW Hippie Bus, or a model A that has a built-in popcorn machine), or if it is not unique (SnoCat, tank, or the "One Piece At A Time" Caddy), then it does not belong in special interest.
So, to this gentleman I would ask: if the show had a Firebird class, but not a Special Interest class, do you think it would be appropriate for me to register my PT Woody in your Firebird class? After all, if they do not have a class for me, shouldn't I be able to register in your class?
At the risk of repeating myself about 2,531 times: no one should register in ANY class that is not a good and appropriate fit for their vehicle. If they do, they are cheating everyone who is in that class legitimately.
Like the saying goes: I don't swim in your toilet, so don't piss in my pool.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Voila
For those of you who kept asking, such as it is, the "new" surfboard is finished. It was a bit tougher than I thought it would be, and I gotta tell ya I worried big-time about the glassing. But all came out reasonably well, as you can see here.
We have received several letters about the recent shows - mostly positive, but each had some difficulties as pointed out by those who went, and wrote letters.
We'll be going to C.H.O.P. tomorrow for the cruise, so a reminder - the C.H.O.P. cruise now runs from 5-7 for the remainder of their season. And they are having a show at the fairgrounds later this month - but we cannot go, since they will only be accepting antiques - vehicles that are at least 25 years old. Antique drivers do not count :o(
But I will give them much credit - unlike some shows, they are not going to take our money under false pretenses, as was done at Shawnee Peak earlier this year.
Anxious for this weekend, at OOB. That is just about the best "cruise" on Friday, and a darned good show the next day. It is one of the highlights of the season. Hope to see ya there!
We have received several letters about the recent shows - mostly positive, but each had some difficulties as pointed out by those who went, and wrote letters.
We'll be going to C.H.O.P. tomorrow for the cruise, so a reminder - the C.H.O.P. cruise now runs from 5-7 for the remainder of their season. And they are having a show at the fairgrounds later this month - but we cannot go, since they will only be accepting antiques - vehicles that are at least 25 years old. Antique drivers do not count :o(
But I will give them much credit - unlike some shows, they are not going to take our money under false pretenses, as was done at Shawnee Peak earlier this year.
Anxious for this weekend, at OOB. That is just about the best "cruise" on Friday, and a darned good show the next day. It is one of the highlights of the season. Hope to see ya there!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Windham & Settler's Green
Two big shows were held today - the Windham Boosters Show in Windham (ME) and the Mt Washington Valley Old Car club's Settler's Green show in North Conway (NH). I went to Windham, but so far the reports on Settler's Green say it was excellent. For those interested, here is a letter from the organizer of Settler's Green show:
Sounds like a fine crowd. And while it did not look like Windham had such a big draw, it still did very well. And Bob already has his Vehicle Safety Cards for next year's show :o). Some folks are on the ball!
The biggest drawback of the Windham show was something over which they had no control - the layout of the school grounds. The property is such that vehicles had to be separated by vast expanses, making it difficult to mull around and see everyone. And it was nearly 1/4 mile to the concession stand.
Other than that, there was one really noticeable problem - and it was a biggie. Anyone who was there can likely guess, because it was obvious and blatant - class jumping and abuse of certain classes. For example, there were two corvette classes, so all corvettes SHOULD have been in one or the other. But one decided to enter into the 80's class because there was a better chance of winning - and he did. That was completely unfair to the others in the 80's.
But the extreme abuse and disrespect of class occurred, of course, in Special Interest. If you were not there (or were there and did not notice), here is a sample what was found in Special Interest. As you can see by the pix, there was a stock, nearly off the showroom floor Caddy; a stock nearly off the showroom floor Grand Cherokee; a stock nearly off the showroom floor GMC Jimmy SUV; a Cobra kit car (there was a class for Sport Compacts); a stock, unrestored 1967 Ford pickup truck (there was a class for 2WD trucks); a rather stock Firebird (there was a class for GM Muscle); a car whose lineage was not readily known, and our own PT Woody SurfWagon. The last two were the only ones that belonged in SI.
Such disrespect and abuse of any class is untenable. Both the people who wrongfully entered the class AND the show organizers are at fault, and both should be thoroughly ashamed. If a show does not have a class for you, don't go. Do NOT put your car in a class in which it does not belong just so you can be there - it is incredibly rude, dishonest and unfair to the people who do belong in that class. And if the show has gone to the trouble of having a class specifically for you (like Corvettes, Mustangs, Camaros, Mopar, Muscles etc.), then that is the class you should be in.
I will tell you this: if I were to register my PT Woody into your class, you would be pissed - and rightfully so. And if I took votes away from you, you would be livid, and would likely complain loudly to anyone who would listen. And you would be absolutely right!
All we ask is that everyone give us the same respect and consideration that y'all would want us to give to you if the tables were turned.
Slowly but surely, class jumpers and poachers are beginning to pay the price for their dishonesty. People are not voting for them as often. The folks are becoming aware. To the jumpers I would say, "You have been warned." If you choose to cheat, you will likely lose. Most folks want honest shows, and they are beginning to look for the cheats now that the problem has been brought into the light.
That said, the Windham show was a very fine show. I did notice that many of the judges were not particularly qualified, and some even looked lost. One was observed walking past 25 vehicles in 28 seconds. That judge did return later, but spent minimal time looking over only 1/2 the vehicles.
I fully recgnize that qualified judges are difficult to come by, so we do need to accept such problems in a judged show. But that is a shame - organizers really need to start training their judges better. If not, perhaps they should consider another form of judging.
I know this does not sound very good for the Windham show, but that really is not the case. They did put on a very good show. Pretty well organized, they were ready for us when we arrived. Food was good. Music was OK (not my type). Award ceremony was well-done and moved along rapidly. Yes, there were problems, but some were not within their control, and the others were, if nothing else, expected. Perhaps their 16th show next year will include improvements in the enforcement of classes, and the training of judges.
Thank you, Windham Boosters, for one of the better shows of the 2008 season.
"HI BILL; Mt. Washington Valley Old Car Club show had great weather we also had 227 cars and 631 Paid spectators. The (vehicle safety) cards worked great - some of the spectators said thanks when we handed them to them. Hope to see everyone again next year.
Thanks Bob"
Sounds like a fine crowd. And while it did not look like Windham had such a big draw, it still did very well. And Bob already has his Vehicle Safety Cards for next year's show :o). Some folks are on the ball!
The biggest drawback of the Windham show was something over which they had no control - the layout of the school grounds. The property is such that vehicles had to be separated by vast expanses, making it difficult to mull around and see everyone. And it was nearly 1/4 mile to the concession stand.
Other than that, there was one really noticeable problem - and it was a biggie. Anyone who was there can likely guess, because it was obvious and blatant - class jumping and abuse of certain classes. For example, there were two corvette classes, so all corvettes SHOULD have been in one or the other. But one decided to enter into the 80's class because there was a better chance of winning - and he did. That was completely unfair to the others in the 80's.
But the extreme abuse and disrespect of class occurred, of course, in Special Interest. If you were not there (or were there and did not notice), here is a sample what was found in Special Interest. As you can see by the pix, there was a stock, nearly off the showroom floor Caddy; a stock nearly off the showroom floor Grand Cherokee; a stock nearly off the showroom floor GMC Jimmy SUV; a Cobra kit car (there was a class for Sport Compacts); a stock, unrestored 1967 Ford pickup truck (there was a class for 2WD trucks); a rather stock Firebird (there was a class for GM Muscle); a car whose lineage was not readily known, and our own PT Woody SurfWagon. The last two were the only ones that belonged in SI.
Such disrespect and abuse of any class is untenable. Both the people who wrongfully entered the class AND the show organizers are at fault, and both should be thoroughly ashamed. If a show does not have a class for you, don't go. Do NOT put your car in a class in which it does not belong just so you can be there - it is incredibly rude, dishonest and unfair to the people who do belong in that class. And if the show has gone to the trouble of having a class specifically for you (like Corvettes, Mustangs, Camaros, Mopar, Muscles etc.), then that is the class you should be in.
I will tell you this: if I were to register my PT Woody into your class, you would be pissed - and rightfully so. And if I took votes away from you, you would be livid, and would likely complain loudly to anyone who would listen. And you would be absolutely right!
All we ask is that everyone give us the same respect and consideration that y'all would want us to give to you if the tables were turned.
Slowly but surely, class jumpers and poachers are beginning to pay the price for their dishonesty. People are not voting for them as often. The folks are becoming aware. To the jumpers I would say, "You have been warned." If you choose to cheat, you will likely lose. Most folks want honest shows, and they are beginning to look for the cheats now that the problem has been brought into the light.
That said, the Windham show was a very fine show. I did notice that many of the judges were not particularly qualified, and some even looked lost. One was observed walking past 25 vehicles in 28 seconds. That judge did return later, but spent minimal time looking over only 1/2 the vehicles.
I fully recgnize that qualified judges are difficult to come by, so we do need to accept such problems in a judged show. But that is a shame - organizers really need to start training their judges better. If not, perhaps they should consider another form of judging.
I know this does not sound very good for the Windham show, but that really is not the case. They did put on a very good show. Pretty well organized, they were ready for us when we arrived. Food was good. Music was OK (not my type). Award ceremony was well-done and moved along rapidly. Yes, there were problems, but some were not within their control, and the others were, if nothing else, expected. Perhaps their 16th show next year will include improvements in the enforcement of classes, and the training of judges.
Thank you, Windham Boosters, for one of the better shows of the 2008 season.
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