CHEVROLET BEL AIR

American Children’s Home 20th Annual Show-Off Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show

What could be better than a gathering of cars, trucks and motorcycles? Not much, unless that function benefits a nonprofit, as it did at a recent event held in Lexington, North Carolina.

Indeed, the campus of the American Children’s Home was both the host and beneficiary of an event that supports approximately 70 youngsters, all of whom need a substitute family. Some of the boys and girls live on campus. Others are in family foster care. All the children are given the help they need now as well as preparation for adult living.

As you might imagine, the mission is critical. And it is an ongoing one, established in 1928 by the Junior Order United American Mechanics North Carolina State Council. Today, the home works closely with county Departments of Social Services, accepting referrals in keeping with its mission.

20th Annual Show-Off

For the 20th consecutive year, the home hosted an annual show-offer of cars, trucks and motorcycles. Rained out in May, the show was rescheduled for July 14. Despite blazing skies and summer traffic, hundreds of entrants and volunteers came out.

Most of the entrants were classic cars and trucks from the 1950s, 60s and 70s, but there were late-model cars and trucks on hand as well. There were also more than a dozen motorcycles and a handful of antique cars.

Entire car clubs came out, including the Carolinas Region of the Porsche Club of America. This club alone raised more than $3,000 for the home.

Ample Time to Show Off

Held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the home, the show accepted entrants throughout the morning. Judges began tallying early on with more than 75 awards offered.

Vendors, food tents, raffles, a kids zone and a silent auction, were also part of the show. Home staff and volunteers ensured a smooth show, with public announcements offered as needed.

By 1:45 p.m., the awards portion began. The first group recognized were the “Top 40” finishers followed by several “best of” categories. The awards ended with both the Best of Show and ACH Choice Award winners recognized.

As for the models on hand, we took more than 300 photos, then narrowed that to about 100 as featured here. More than half are captioned, while the last group has been presented without comment. If you notice an error, we’d appreciate you leaving a comment. Most of the make, model and year information was taken from the entry placard located on the dashboard.

Chevrolet Models

Chevrolet classics. — A line of classic Chevrolets.

Poison Ivy with her equally green Chevrolet Camaro.

But, wait…there’s more!

Best of the Rest:

American Children's Home

Additional Spotlights

Spotlight: 24th Annual Rod & Custom Show Presented by the Stray Cats

Spotlight: Capital City Cruisers 2018 Car, Truck & Bike Show

Spotlight: 2018 Piedmont Classic Chevy Club Car Show

Cars and Coffee Raleigh

Dave Marsic, one of the organizers for Cars and Coffee Raleigh, was overwhelmingly pleased by the turn out, having anticipated no more than 200 participants, but ending up with more than 300. Auto Trends estimates that number was between 350 to 400, including people who stopped in for a while and then left.

The Raleigh Grande Theater opened its concession stands, giving people access to coffee and snacks, as well as to the bathrooms. The theater reported going through five huge containers of coffee before they ran out. Conveniently, the theater also scheduled an 11:15 a.m. showing of the just released Need for Speed movie to give car lovers another reason to hang around.

Cars and Coffee Raleigh: Raleigh Grande Theater

A collection of European cars in front of the Raleigh Grande Theater.

Cars and Coffee Cary

Chris Chandler, one of the organizers for Cars and Coffee Cary was at the Raleigh event and told Auto Trends that beginning with its next meet up on April 5, 2014, the Waverly Place Shopping Center on Kildaire Farm Road would make available a third lot, this one located on the upper section of the property, effectively increasing capacity to 600 cars.

So, at least in one area of the country outside of car-crazy California there are now two monthly Cars and Coffee events within easy reach of local enthusiasts, with warmer weather and convenient venues set to accommodate participants and visitors alike.