Corvette: How to Find a Corvette Show
Owning a Corvette is more than just owning a beast. Corvette ownership is a sub-culture of its own.
This article applies to the C1-C7 Corvette (1953-current).
Regardless of what some may say, we are still a car culture, and no other car exemplifies that American attitude like the Corvette. Unlike any other vehicle, except for maybe a Harley Davidson, once you take ownership of a Corvette, you’re in the club. Owners likely understand the passion that you probably have possessed since you were a little kid, and have no problem with you hanging out at the door. Car shows and car clubs are a great way to meet a bunch of people that share that same passion for their cars. Chances are you won’t find it hard to strike up a conversation and make new friends.
National Events
There are many, large annual Corvette events throughout the year. Many have been established through the NCCC (National Council of Corvette Clubs) and The National Corvette Museum, as well as Corvette publications and large Corvette dealers. With summer comes some of the biggest and longest running events in the country. In June 2015, Bloomington Gold will be held for the first time at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In July, Corvettes come back to Bowling Green for the annual Corvette Homecoming. And of course, every August, the summer season wraps up in Pennsylvania with Corvettes at Carlisle.
There are also many national or touring car shows that are definitely a thrill to attend. Although not all Corvette specifically, Corvettes will always be present and always seem to congregate. With so much information at our fingertips these days, finding a summer trip destination to one of these shows is simply a quick internet search away.
Local Shows
The internet is also a great way to find local weekend events. There are several sites solely dedicated to “finding car shows” in your specific area. In the local scene you may be more apt to participate as opposed to just being a spectator. Such events may include Autocross/Gymkhana, certification events, contests and poker runs, as well as swap meets, auctions and car corals (sales).
Of course, if a “shine and drive” or cool “cruise-in” is more your speed, in the days of nice weather, you can probably find an event occurring just about every weekend. All you need to do is attend one and let the networking take over. Other Corvette owners will be happy to tell you about “next weekend’s” event. Often, these local events are affiliated with local Corvette clubs. Don’t let that intimidate you, though. They are always very welcoming as they would love for you to join.
Corvette Clubs
Just about every major metropolitan area has at least one Corvette club. If no other Corvette owner has tried to enlist you, you can always check the NCCC web sites for clubs in your region. There are also some national clubs like Corvette Club of America as well as the National Corvette Museum. Being a member of a club comes with many benefits including discounts, group rates, and literature subscriptions as well as information regarding any and all events in your area.
With Corvette clubs, there will be dues to pay and they may require some level of participation. Yet, they can offer a lot to the Corvette owner that wants to participate beyond the occasional show or cruise-in. Belonging to a Corvette club will allow you to be involved in shows, fundraisers and parades, as well as participation in meetings and possibly eventually holding an “office.”
Of course, the club structure is not for all. Thus, many “no club clubs” have sprung up. These owners enjoy being part of a group, loosely. Participation is not demanded, and it is more of a “come-and-go" casual atmosphere. These “groups” may be harder to find, but with a little networking and casual conversation, you’ll probably be able to find one in your area.
Impromptu Gatherings
Having said that, you can always start a club or car show on your own. It’s a little know fact, but since 1953 Corvettes have been installed with a special Corvette magnet, attracting them at all times to one another. Okay, there’s no such thing, but we simply mean that all Corvette owners are attracted to other Corvettes. If you see one in a parking lot, you would probably park near it. Get two Corvettes together and watch the rest roll in.
If you're really interested, park two Corvettes (hoods up, doors open) in a well lit parking lot of a local restaurant or fast food joint on a well-traveled street or intersection. Hang out on your cars, and another Corvette will inevitably pull in. In time, you can achieve your own Corvette show, eventually drawing in folks, not all in Corvettes, but ones that just want to walk around all of the Corvettes. Talk with the participants and agree to meet up again in a week or two, or next month. Casually get together when you can. Some days there may be just 5 of you, other times, 35.
Online sites like Corvette Forum are also great places to meet and network. Folks are always available for help and brainstorming, as well as possibly keeping in touch with events in your area. Of course, the possible distance is not conducive to getting together, helping each other with repairs or modifications, sharing tools, and not to mention the occasional need for a ride. When you’re out and about in your Corvette, not just driving from point A to point B, you are likely to meet other enthusiasts that are just like you. Foster these relationships and get involved. Go to a show together…or start one on your own.
Related Discussion
- Car Show Finder - CorvetteForum.com
