An annual tradition wouldn’t be deterred by Mother Nature.
The Carter County Car Club rallied the troops and were able to put on the 35th annual car and motorcycle show in downtown Elizabethton Saturday much to the delight of participants.
“I thought the event went really well,” said Carter County Car Club President Bob Livingston. “Everyone that participated seemed to have a great time. I definitely want to say thank you to our volunteers and everyone that came out to brave the weather.”
While scattered rain storms occurred across the region, it didn’t stop over 230 vehicles from setting up shop downtown.
“We had approximately 230 cars,” Livingston said. “We had space to have more but considering the weather forecast, I couldn’t be happier with the event.”
The annual car show serves as the club’s biggest fundraiser to collect money for various children’s charities in the region. Charities that the club is involved with include the Salvation Army Christmas Angel Tree Program, Friends Downs Syndrome Program, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Boys & Girls Club of Elizabethton/Carter County, Carter County Schools Accelerated Reader Program and Children’s Evangelism Fellowship.
“We won’t know the exact total of what we raised until we have our meeting at the end of this month,” Livingston said. “But I can say it was a big success for us. Our cruise-in events usually raise roughly $200 but our all day show typically is our biggest fundraiser for the children’s charities. I know from our door prizes we raised around $450.”
Livingston also took time out to thank the various businesses that sponsored over 100 plaques that were presented to various participants of the show.
“They’re very appreciated for their support,” the president said. “Wayne Hodge with State Farm actually purchased some door prizes, sponsored plaques and even presented some with us during the ceremony. We appreciate all of our sponsors but I thought it was really nice of him to be at the show with a hands-on approach with the event.”
Throughout the summer months, the club’s weekend car shows and all day event bring hundreds to downtown Elizabethton. During the event, multiple stores stay open to tend to participants and attendees. A new addition is the new public restroom facility behind Dino’s Restaurant, which car club members were able assist construction costs with.
“We want to do our part to help bring people into downtown Elizabethton,” Livingston said. “We have such a beautiful community.”
But vehicle fun doesn’t stop any time soon. The club’s cruise-in events will continue each Saturday, beginning at 5 p.m., until October 27.
“Weather permitting,” Livingston said with a laugh. “But we’re expecting it to be pretty busy in the next couple of months. There are members that keep an eye out on the weather and we always try to have a final decision by 2 p.m. if the forecast doesn’t look too good. We do that to make sure the different restaurants and police department have enough notice.”
Individuals wanting to stay updated with information from the club can visit the cartercountycarclubtn.com Facebook page online.