Autumn is in the air. Thank goodness, as the usually oppressive Memphis summer weather was exceptionally miserable this year and a break in temps is a welcome change.

Saturday, September 29th kicked off a double car show weekend, with shows in Bartlett & Collierville. The Bartlett Festival was the most heavily attended by MCCC members, and many of our own did well in the awards department. First place awards went to Jim Cohen, Danny Ford, Gene Loper, Gerald Raymer, Gene Whitehead, Tom and Betty Wright (Chevelle). Danny’s brother Roger entered their Mom’s 56 and won a first place trophy. Second place awards went to Larry Abramson, and Tom and Betty Wright. Third place accolades were garnered by Dennis Elliott. James Hicks had his Camaro on display, but was not judged. Ronny Hodnett brought out the 55 drop top but did not enter the show. Larry and Shirley Chambers were seen touring the grounds, and Jack Mabry and his brother drove up in a good looking El Camino. Obviously, our club was well represented at this Bartlett tradition.

Simultaneously, the Bill Heard show was happening on the outskirts of Collierville. Thankfully, the show organizers have moved the date of this show from the dog days of summer, but it looks like they've managed to pick a popular weekend. Still, lots of vehicles on hand on a beautiful afternoon. Greg Friend snagged a first place award with his Buick Grand National, and Dave West and Russell Ragland both took second place awards in their respective classes. Anyone who has seen Dave or Russell's cars know that they are close to perfect, so this should give you an idea of how stiff the competition was at this show. Gary Gallimore snagged a third place trophy with his Corvette. Louis Kimery was also present making a spectacle of himself with camera in hand.

A great day, but two shows at the same time? Does anyone besides me think that it would be best to schedule these things without conflict whenever possible? If so, lets tell the folks that put so much effort into making these shows happen. Seems like it would make sense to avoid having two good shows happening at once in my view. Of course, this weekend there's nothing on the car show calendar (as far as I know). It probably would have been a good weekend for a car show! The benefits of avoiding conflicts would be bigger and better shows, that produce more rewards for their intended beneficiaries. An added benefit would be more activities that us gearheads can participate in, since it's pretty tough to be in two places at once.

Have a look at some photos from the 2007 Bill Heard Show in the photo gallery section. I would have made some photos at the Bartlett Festival as well but that two places at once thing interfered. Maybe next year.

LK