Articles

See America - Celebrate the Corvette

The Chevy Corvette has always been one of America's most iconic cars: little kids play with the matchbox versions, and there isn’t one of us who didn’t dream about driving down an open highway with one – if we get lucky. Even if they never get to actually drive a Corvette, however, they can still share the love at a car show.

As Corvette owners and fans of the model, we also love car shows, both for the beautiful cars we get to see and for the community of people who arrange, manage and attend such shows. In a sense, we Corvette owners are an extended family, with the shows serving as our reunions.

Car shows come in all shapes and sizes, from the general – where many different models are on display – to the specific, which are for Corvettes alone, and occur in almost all parts of the country, throughout the year. Some are annual events, some are not. Here's a representative sample:

• Boca Raton, FL, Concours d'Elegance Automobile and Motorcycle Exhibition: This show takes place each February and brings together auto enthusiasts from around the world, for an exposition that includes makes and models from all eras. In addition to a walk-through exhibition of cars, there are speeches, special dinners, and award ceremonies, as well as a performance by comedian Howie Mandel.
• Atlantic City, NJ, Strictly Corvette Show: This is a new event, taking place at the equally new Atlantic City Convention Center, and is limited to Corvettes, including new, classic, and unique vehicles. Features include a "Walk in History" exhibition that includes 56 years of Corvettes (1953-2009) and more than two hundred auto-related vendor booths. (April 18-19, 2009.
• Las Vegas, NV, Viva Las Vegas Corvette Convention: Hosted by Hot Nevada Vettes, this Corvette convention includes an all-Corvette day of races at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway with drag racing and autocross, a car show under the canopy at the Fremont Street Experience, and of course, poker. There is a heavy emphasis on fun and family, and attendees are encouraged to spend time simply socializing with other enthusiasts. (May 7-11, 2009)
• Hutchison, MN, Corvette Fundraiser: This is the second year for this Corvette-themed fundraiser for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society, showing that cars and caring mix well. In addition to the requisite car show, there will be a rally, dart run and autocross, as well as goody bags for the first 100 cars registered. (June 5-7, 2009)
• Carlisle, PA, Corvettes at Carlisle: This show is the world's largest devoted to Corvettes, and attendees generally include representatives from every generation. Features include the presence of actual GM personnel, and a vast collection of Corvette race cars and race car drivers, as well as a famous Corvette parade. Not to be missed! (August 28-30, 2009)
• Phoenixville, PA, Corvettes for a Cure: Our show is moving to September this year, and we're adding a craft and jewelry show as part of the festivities, which benefit the Delaware Valley chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. There are also 14 Classes that will earn trophies, and a Chinese auction. This is the sixth year of Corvettes for a Cure. (September 13, 2009)

These are just a few of the events taking place across the country. In fact, there is some kind of Corvette show, or at least a car show that includes Corvettes almost every month of the year, though the summer months have the most going on. While not every show has a celebrity host, most do have games as well as the actual exhibition, and almost all of them are involved in raising money for a worthy charity, from the Cancer foundations mentioned above, to Toys-for-Tots, to the Boys and Girls Clubs.

If you're a Corvette owner wanting to show off your ride, or just a fan of the model, who still has their matchbox toy in a box in the back of the closet, you can find an auto show near you, where you can take your own children, and introduce them to this incredible American automotive icon.