All the meetings have gone well. The wrap up was no exception.
The purpose of the meeting was to report the fiscal results, the successful components of the show, initialize and motivate the brain storming needed to improve those areas needing improvement and relay the feedback from the Fairgrounds.
We netted great income and will now look at how and who to effectively share this income with. The “Defenders” .. our team mates …. have been solicited for their input.
We had 400 show entries and about 25 display vehicles. About 15% of those entered were from 200 miles away! The show put a smile on the Fairgrounds with about 2000 paid visitors. Remember … kids were free so not counted. Vendors have been approaching the Fairgrounds to be there next year …. they heard it was great.
We need to grow the art component of the show. Maybe a kid’s and/or general competition. Maybe we actually use a car as the media for art? Or? The Nevada County Arts Council has been advised and they are in. There could be an income line here.
How about the Nevada City Elks car entry v.s. the Sacramento Elks v.s. the Roseville Elks, vs the Auburn Elks etc etc … with an “Elks” trophy?
Jade and Sergio have grown a great company. Maybe we and they can create an over the top Car Corral for 2026 by teaming up in some manner to benefit both???
We need to re think merchandise sales. T Shirts with your car on them?
Hats? Stickers with your car as the focus? Or???
Plan for a Friday Day event component. Guests? Band? Game? Art? or?
The most oft repeated question? Where are the classic trailers parked? As we speak we are actively working on making that happen …
The Boats were COOL!!! How can we get more? What?? … only a couple of Cycles? There’s always a challenge buried in the good news.
In 2026 the year runs late. Holidays based on the day of the week are being pushed back date wise. Labor Day in 2026 is Monday the 7th. The effect?
“Cruisin’ the Pines” at the Fairgrounds has always been held the weekend after Labor Day. Unfortunately, that weekend is already booked. As are basically all the weekends in August and those up until Early October.
What’s open? …… Labor Day weekend.
That has some challenges as well as some benefits. Rather than avoiding decisions we have chosen to make one and stage “Cruisin the Pines 2026” on the Labor Day weekend.
This is a successful site. Another site means regsistration hesitation. Early October risks Rain. Early August risks Hot as well as conflicts with other large car events. Think Reno for one. Camping on Labor Day weekend? I expect an early trailer fill up.
Let’s plan on meeting in January to get all this rolling.
Thanks for everyone’s help & show support.
Mike & Jean
