I don’t often have regrets, but this past weekend was one of those where I saw the quality of car shows… and the children, and I was saddened I did not make it. It was the end-of-the-season show for the NH Muscle Cars show. In my own defense, it was my 33rd Anniversary and while my wife would have let me “drag her there” after her being out in Idaho with her mom, I wanted to spend time with her.
All the pictures of cars, of people, and of the fun they were having made my day! And caused me a tinge of regret. It looked like a fantastic show. One of the main reasons was that it had a kid-friendly factor.
When I was a child, I had the luxury of living in a community where I had men in the community who wanted to talk to me about cars, trucks, and anything that rolled. I was wrenching things when I was 6. Some of those I had permission to work on! (I took apart my father’s brand new B&S motor to see what a piston was!)
My dad taught me a lot, and I lived through it! My neighbor, Ben, let me work on a tractor and a 1956 Chevy pickup, which I ended up with. Bart showed me the ins and outs of his Bonneville. A one-eyed Brad, let me work on 2 of his 1955 Chevys and small motors he had around his yard. Gil let me help with his MGs, including a MGA, TD 1500, and a Morgan.
And I might have “driven” and crashed a car or two before I was 9. When I was 9, I was given the opportunity to work in an ARCO station, where I was until I was probably 16. I was able to wrench everything there. And living in the country, we got to learn to drive.
I am so grateful for the people who did not dismiss me because I was a child.
The Kid Factor
I have been dragging my kids and grandkids to car shows since they were babies. I love cars and I love car shows.
They learned to be respectful, careful, and responsible. I laugh when I look at old pics where they have their hands in their pockets or behind their back. And it paid dividends! I have pictures of Jacob being asked to sit in old Fords and Pontiacs, a DeLorean, a Viper, and more.
For years, I have talked about how we include kids at car shows. Without the kids, the car world doesn’t necessarily disappear, but it does shift elsewhere. When I attend shows and see dads and kids, it thrills my heart. (We will be doing some articles and podcasts on this going forward.)
When I saw the “trunk or treat”, the kids race, and my friend, Dennis (The Grinch), I thought it was really cool.
Going forward, here at Powerless Over Cars, we will work hard to help people add “kids” to the agenda. I know not all shows can manage kids, but I am excited to see more that are.
Alyson’s Orchards in Walpole has an upcoming car show on October 26th from 11-3. (Trunk or Treat Car Show at Alyson’s Orchard! Dress in your best! Dress up your vehicle & come hang out with some fresh apple cider donuts, wagon rides, and enjoy the end of fall!)
Congratulations to NH MUSCLE CARS for what looked like a fantastic show.
Including kids at a car shows can make the event more family-friendly and engaging.
In our next article coming out, we are going to offer up some suggestions for children and bring them to shows.
Let’s get the kids involved.
