Get Revved Up for Rochester’s Car Shows
Region offers wide variety of car shows
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Soak up some sun and the sights of local classic cars. The area’s vintage car owners will have them all shined up for your enjoyment at various car shows.
Here’s a summary of the main car shows in the area:
• May 22 — Apple Blossom Car & Bike Show, Williamson.
In addition to arts and crafts vendors, food, live entertainment, amusement rides, enjoy the car and bike show, entertainment, amusement rides and more. Registered participants will select the top two cars and top bike for the people’s choice awards. The remaining winners will be chosen by the town supervisor, Apple Blossom committee, Ladies Choice (the committee will pick 10 ladies not involved with the show), local firemen, and NYS Troopers or Wayne County Sheriffs. No rain date. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with registration ($10 each vehicle) until 12 p.m. www.williamsonappleblossom.com.
• June 12 — Street Machines of Rochester 42nd Annual Outdoor Show, Greece.
More than 100 awards presented in a variety of categories. Registration 9 a.m. to noon, awards at 4 p.m. 1120 Latta Road. 585-663-0393 or 585-303-1555. www.streetmachinesofrochester.com.
• July 22 — 17th Annual Cruisin’ Night Classic Car Show, Geneva.
Food and retail vendors, wine tasting and more. Downtown Geneva; look for the signs. 5 to 10 p.m. 315-789-1776. www.genevany.com/bid/cruisin-night.
• July 22 – Car Show and Cruise Night, Newark Firefighters Family Festival, Newark.
The event includes bands, rides, craft and food vendors, and (on Saturday) fireworks. Proceeds benefit the Newark firefighters and community. Firefighters Field, 100 Barker Parkway. 315-573-3513 www.newarkcarshow.com.
• Sept. 17 — Canaltown Days Annual Car Show, Palmyra.
While checking out the pre-2001 cars, enjoy food, antiques, flea market, live music, crafts, 5K race, canal walks, horse-drawn wagon rides, pony rides, parade and more. Main Street. Dash plaques to the first 100 cars. Registration 9 a.m. Show 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rain date Sept. 18. 315-597-4325. kdasson@rochester.rr.com. www.palmyracanaltowndays.org/car-show.
•September TBA — Baytowne Car Show, Webster.
The show offers plenty of chrome, plus raises awareness for prostate cancer. A portion of the proceeds benefit Us TOO, a local chapter of the national prostate cancer awareness organization. Check www.baytownecarshow.com for details as they become available.
Make the most of the car shows you attend by calling in advance to confirm times and dates. Outdoor car shows are usually rescheduled in case of rain. Bring along cash for admission (if applicable) and food vendors; most events are cash-only. Sunglasses and sun screen will keep you more comfortable. Bring your camera to take plenty of snapshots. Most venues don’t permit dogs, so leave your furry pal at home.
Take time to talk with exhibitors. Look under the hood, if it’s left open, but don’t touch anything. Ask questions, especially if you’re considering a vintage car restoration project. Most restorers love to share their stories (every restoration offers a story!) and any tips that could make another’s project easier. If you’re allowed to vote for a people’s choice or other award, participate in the process. Stick around to see if others agree with your choices.