I loved taking my kids and grandchildren to car shows for kids over the years. I will never forget the look on my granddaughter’s face when she saw the car that a teenage girl had fixed and driven 200 miles to the show. “That’s what I want to do,” she declared.
I recently shared an article about a cool car show hosted by NH Muscle Cars, which invited children to participate. I was wowed by the events, the pictures, and the videos that captured the smiles of both the children and the adults.
The show here in New Hampshire carried the Trunk or Treat theme. Since then, I have posted 3 of these in New Hampshire alone. Keene, Swanzey, and Walpole are doing those shows with a Trunk or Treat theme. Some have rides, animals, food, and more, perfect for families attending the car shows for kids.
Over the years, I have watched where the children go. (And where the children go, so do the adults. I know that some of my family loved the vendor booths, and yes, some of them had jewelry and clothing. Many carried car parts, historical pieces, and of course, food!
Some of the kids headed right to the cars. But it took some time!
Kids are kids. I do not doubt that, as we let them be kids and offer them alternatives while they are surrounded by shiny cars, they will begin to take an interest in the vehicles. That’s what makes car shows for kids such an important part og growing interest in the automotive world.
I know that more and more shows are doing what they can to encourage youth to enter the automotive trades. The show last week in Hopkinton and Eurobilt are good examples of this.
I am glad so many parents love cars, but I wonder what will be there for their children. And I imagine that they sometimes think, “How do I get my child to behave?” I get it. Nothing more nerve-wracking than to watch a child run over to a car with ice cream in hand, or jump up on a running board!
Over the years, I have hosted numerous shows and events featuring cars, talent, music, and vendors.
The “Touch a Truck” events have allowed kids to be hands-on. Jacob loved the excavator, fire truck, and ambulance over the years. It was really cool to attend the First Responders show here in Keene with DART, featuring fire trucks, ambulances, numerous cars, food, and demonstrations. The car show at the Middle School here in Keene partners with local vendors, offering food and crafts.
I believe there are a few key factors that will help us bring the next generation into the world of cars. And believe me, I know there are people out there with more ideas and thinking than I.
In the past, I suggested a few things and mentioned that perhaps Powerless Over Cars ought to get more involved going forward, so this is the beginning of that. (And I am going to be offering some handouts to help parents, clubs, and shows if they are interested. And if you are a business that wants to get on board with this, let me know! I would love a sponsor for some of this.)
One of my key goals is to help people get into the car business. Educational opportunities at the shows for young people could include a trade school(s) vendor. And maybe consider collaborating with Mike Rowe and Mike Rowe Works. (This organization has a program for young people headed to a trade school.) As I mentioned, more and more shows are working on this.
Let’s make these shows more kid-involved.
I love the history and the historic values. (One of Jacob’s favorite shows was when there was a Fort and a Museum next to the show. The photos of the kids in the museum are at the bottom.)
And could we figure out how to incorporate some of the technology that was cutting-edge in its day? History is fun!
My friend, Bob, would often show up at the show, sit in his chair, and ask people if they knew what the item in his hands was. It was a package of curb feelers. (Curb feelers or curb finders are springs or wires installed on a vehicle that act as “whiskers” to alert drivers when they are at the right distance from the curb while parking. The devices are fitted low on the body, close to the wheels.) Jacob showed me that now, where he works, they install Alloy Gators to protect wheels from curbs.
These could easily be included in a youth display to engage and entertain attendees. What about a superhero theme or an arcade, to jumpstart their imagination and creativity? God knows we could use more of that. Games? Activities? Maybe a car-related rummage sale? Definitely get some of the Hot Wheels and model guys out there! Maybe a kid’s car parade or a bouncy house. Maybe we should do something fun for the girls!
2 last things. The development of social media has enabled it to reach these young people. Get them interested before the show. And the other, perhaps a photo-related contest or something for young people, or promote car shows for kids on social media.
These ideas can help create a memorable and enjoyable car show experience for youth attendees. And if we get them involved, the journey continues!
I will be sharing round 3 on kids soon, and it will include printouts of suggestions, tips for parents, and more!
