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Brady McQueen (aka 1carguy) [ View ] [ bradymcqueen@comcast.net ] [ Car Ads ] [ Blogs ] Pleasanton, California (925) 719-3200

Like many of you, I've been going to car shows for years now and I've expected the price of registrations to go up like everything else, but this year it seems crazy. I'm usually not one to complain, I don't mind paying for my fun and entertainment but $100 to register a car for a 2 day event sounds nuts! Pismo Beach is now $65 to $115 depending when you register. A small town 3 day show north of here is now $70. These shows are either very expense to set up or these promoter folks are getting awfully greedy. Makes the GGs and NSRA shows seem cheap by comparison. Is it just here or anyone else notice big increases this year?

Comments

Posted by 37tin  -  06/01/2008 03:15 AM Hmmmmm,,,,,,,and without us would the show go on ?? who should be paying who??????? if we don't take our rides, no show, just a bunch of vendors...It's starting to piss me off too!!!!!!!! 37tin [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] langley, Canada   Posted by cr55  -  06/01/2008 08:05 AM boy and I thought our local show going from $25 to $45 was bad!.......CR I thought that I knew it all , but.. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] dover, Delaware   Posted by tlp1968  -  06/01/2008 08:36 AM All the more reason to come to the cruise in Springfield......it is free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In all fairness I must agree that the price of putting on a show is really what causes those fees to rise in most cases. You will see that our event is more informal because that is cost effective. I was looking at the following fees for our event - Parking on the ramp $500.00 Cost of DJ service $300-600.00 (depending upon the service you use) Rental for space to hold your show $500.00-$5,000.00 depending upon size and location. (Most of our venues had hidden costs like all posters had to be hung up by their personnel and garbage removal had to be handled by their staff) Promotional flyers, posters, advertising- hundreds or maybe thousands if you introduce television and radio. So I guess as the price of these necessities goes up....so do the shows. Now with that being said...I agree with 37tin if the cars don't come.....no show. Maybe more shows will increase the charge to sponsors and look for ways to trade services for exposure. StreetRodding.com Marketing Director [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Springfield, Illinois Charter Member since August 2003   Posted by cr55  -  06/01/2008 09:06 AM with the price of fuel and hotel rooms rising so drastically, it's almost impossible to attend shows. I refuse to pay $115 for admittance, no matter where or what the show involves! I look forward to the nsra show at york,Pa. every year. I just got my tickets and I noticed how low my number is this year, usually the number is much higher. Could this be a sign of the times? I hope not. I guess I'll stick to the local cruises...........CR I thought that I knew it all , but.. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] dover, Delaware   Posted by Willys33  -  06/01/2008 09:15 AM I have said for a long time that others look to car owners/groups as a cash cow. When in doubt have a car show. They will pay to enter their car "for a good cause". They have now started to come to club meeting and asking for money "for a good cause". On my taxes I ponder the contributions entry every year with "The IRS will not believe it if I put down a realistic figure". Get off the trailer and drive [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Alamogordo, New Mexico   Posted by gman0046  -  06/01/2008 10:00 AM I've always had a problem that the promoters of Car Shows charged car owners high registration fees and then charged spectators high admission fee's to see OUR cars. I know the spectator admission fee at GG Indy is $22.00. Without our cars there wouldn't be any Car Shows. I can't blame the NSRA or Goodguy's, they thought up a way to make bags of money. Lets not forget they also benefit from the annual fee just to join their organization. Then there is the vendors fees and the percentage on the food vendors that is also considerable. How about the $5 hamburger and $3 bottle of water? Give them credit they saw a Cash Cow and capitalized on it. gman0046 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Anchorage, Kentucky   Posted by lenbeal  -  06/01/2008 10:15 AM It would be interesting to know the annual income for each orgization. Its big business. But its truly fun for the car folks. I enjoy seeing 2,000 to 11,500 cars at one time. If you consider going to a museum its cheep by comparison. This week I will be at Indy Goodguys show and vintage drag racing. for 3 days of fun, it not a bad price. Now going to a small show for 30 to 40 bucks is out of the question. I will stick to the cruise in's. Price is right and you come and go when you please. Now if NSRA or Goodguys goes to 50 bucks I may have to reconsider. (I they say times are a changing). flyingb [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] harrogate, Tennessee   Posted by gman0046  -  06/01/2008 11:00 AM Isn't Goodguy's registration for Indy already at $45.00? I also enjoy the vintage drags, which kind of justify's the high prices. I'm going to the Hotrod Reunion in Bowling Green, KY instead. Which by the way is also quite pricy. At the current prices I can't afford to do both. Then again what liesure activity isn't expensive? What do you think a 3 day out of town carshow total cost would be? The hotel/motels and restuarants haven't dropped their prices. I believe it would cost me at least $600-$700 at the very minimum. gman0046 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Anchorage, Kentucky   Posted by streetrodder35  -  06/01/2008 04:47 PM I agree, I think that NSRA shows still happen to be a good deal. You pay 25.00 and have a chance at a WHOLE LOT of door prizes and money. Also , enjoy the vendors and the swap meets at these shows. I like GG, but they are too pricey for me, I won't be going to Nashville GG this year. Entry fee and membership too high and they don't have very many door prizes. I love to see the cars, so I will be going as a spectator (after getting a discount on tickets from NAPA). We still go to our FREE cruise ins every week where they also have 50-50 pots and door prizes. Lot of fun and get to socialize with our car buddies. Would like to go to the Hot Rod Reunion in Ky., but it is pricey also and I sure hope they fixed the in and out traffic problems. We all have our gas woes, but why in the world would they go UP on entry fees when we are having to pay way more in fuel costs nowadays? Greedy people, I guess. streetrodder35 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Mt Juliet, Tennessee   Posted by orphans2  -  06/01/2008 07:23 PM Most of our car events are $15 or less. We have two big shows each month, one pulls about 300 vehicles, the other 750 vehicles, and both are FREE. At one you have to pay $1 to cover the cost of a security officer, but other than that, nothing. I wouldn't pay more than #35 for a three day show, especially if I have to travel and pay for hotels. The Turkey Run is $35 and is a 4 day event, it's worth it, but anything else.... I don't know. orphans2 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Stewartstown, Pennsylvannia Charter Member since November 2001   Posted by fitzwell   -  06/02/2008 12:19 PM to get into GoodGuys, you get to be a member, and pay to get into the show. So in essence, you are paying to BE the show for greedguys. Don't get me wrong, i understand it ain't cheap to put on a show of this size, but when you add in the advertizing content of the Gazette, I think the orginization is a cash cow of the first magnitude. There are two runs in Louisiana that i don't miss, neither one costs over $25.00, not huge shows, but both are 3 days of fun, and the folks that put on the shows let you know that they appreciate your presence. That speaks volumes as far as i'm concerned. normal?? Normal is a cycle on a washing machine [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] benbrook, Texas   Posted by cr55  -  06/02/2008 12:19 PM to me there isn't a better deal than the NSRA shows. $25 to get in and door prizes the entire weekend with the big giveaways on Sunday! I hope they can hold the prices. ....CR I thought that I knew it all , but.. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] dover, Delaware   Posted by ol bear  -  06/02/2008 01:23 PM I REMEMBER WHEN LIVING AT HOME ,,,,,, THE PRICE OF A MOTEL WITH MY GIRFRIEND WAS 12.00,,, MUCH TO MY SURPRISE A CAME HOME FROM WORK ONE AFTERNOON AROUND XMAS TIME AND ASKED IF THE MAIL CAME YET ?? MY MOM SAID YES ITS JUST A POSTCARD FROM THE LANSING MOTEL ,, IM STILL LAUGHING ,, DAD JUST GRINNED ,OL BEAR OL BEAR [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] crown point, Indiana   Posted by gman0046  -  06/02/2008 02:01 PM The question about the NSRA is not if they can hold their prices but we ought to hope they don't want to make more $$$$$$ then they already are. Their already making bags of money from annual dues, event registrations, event spectator fees, event merchandise sold, parts vendor fees, a cut of the food vendors profits. The NSRA event registration fee currently is reasonable compared to Greed Guys and NSRA vendors also donate some pretty good door prizes. Greed Guys probably charge their vendors so much they can't afford to donate decent items. One thing to remember about anyone who puts an event on is, it's all about the money. The current economy and high gas prices have to effect the attendance at major events. I believe the NSRA event at Knoxville had a drop in attendance. Like I said before, a three day out of town event would probably cost me at the bare minimum $600 - $700. Thats half the cost of a "sure fit" A/C unit for my Tri5. gman0046 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Anchorage, Kentucky   Posted by cr55  -  06/02/2008 02:09 PM Bad news Bear!!! I thought that I knew it all , but.. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] dover, Delaware   Posted by brian41chevy  -  06/02/2008 02:22 PM Wow $ 12.00!!! And I used to think $25.00 bucks was a sweet deal on a night rental. There is a fine line between hobby and mental illness [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] New Lenox, Illinois Charter Member since November 2004   Posted by cr55  -  06/02/2008 02:33 PM Just finished reading a story about our local Nascar race we had here in Dover. The news called the Hotel owners extorsionists, what a great name. Don't ya love when they double the rates because a show is in town? I saw signs on the roads here advertising parking for RV's. They averaged around $150 a night to camp on a grass lot with no provisions for water or sewer. Great deal huh?........CR I thought that I knew it all , but.. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] dover, Delaware   Posted by DaveHughes  -  06/02/2008 02:51 PM I agree with those who think NSRA is still a good deal for what you get- yea they are makin money but they also give alot back to the rodders- greedguys (as Gman says) stuff it all in there pockets and then show everything that they are buying for themselves in the goodguys gazette.... the superprize program alone is worth the entry fee to the nsra shows.Imho. And I am pretty sure nsra trades vendor space for the superprize awards. Correct me if i am wrong but I am pretty sure thats how it works.. DaveHughes [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] seaman, Ohio   Posted by gman0046  -  06/02/2008 03:11 PM Dave, I don't know anything about vendor space but believe they may make something off hotels as well. Particularly the ones listed on your event registration. Back when they had the Nats in Columbus, a fiend of mine did not get his hotel through the NSRA, he made a reservation directly with the hotel. On arriving in Columbus the hotel advised him his reservation was canceled by the NSRA. How could they cancel a reservation if they weren't in on the action? The only good thing I can say about GG is the nostalgia drag races. Every thing about them is higher then the NSRA and the giveaways can't compare. The prices of the car shows are not escalating that much it's everything else that goes with just getting and staying there is whats killing us. gman0046 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Anchorage, Kentucky   Posted by DaveHughes  -  06/02/2008 03:18 PM yea I know exactly what you mean- i have been tossing around the idea of going to gg indy this weekend- Havent decided if its worth 6-800 to me to go or not. I left my car at home for the nats south in knoxville- I hate to do that all summer then winter roll around and I havent done anything- Hard decision to make... DaveHughes [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] seaman, Ohio   Posted by da34guy  -  06/02/2008 03:24 PM Dave-- Bite the bullet and go. What did ya build it for? To look at or drive it?? Just my opinion. They ain't no fun sittin in the garage. Don [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Prescott, Arizona Charter Member since October 2001   Posted by gman0046  -  06/02/2008 03:39 PM Dave, I'm with you about Indy. I used to go up there for all 3 days, not anymore. The Adams Mark Hotel was up to $119/night. I now go up for only 1 day and come home the same night. There's not enough there for 3 days and certainly not worth blowing $600 - $800. There might come a time I'll need that cash. No it's not fun sitting in your garage but it's nice to have a garage to sit in. A lot of folks can't say that these days. It used to be you could sell your house if you had to, now you can't even do that. This economy has got to be hurting all liesure activities. gman0046 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Anchorage, Kentucky   Posted by REBORN55  -  06/02/2008 04:09 PM Wife and I still go to Indy(love to go to rain events).. She likes the races and the chance to see friends we have made over the years. We stay a little ways out in Plainfield where it is not as pricey. We bring our own food and beverage to save money. Louisville is great and there again we don't stay near the event to save some money, and again bring our own food and beverage. Still can't beat Frog Follies. I won't stay there because of what they do with the motel rates. Only 2 hours away anyway. These shows are our vacation, so I do a couple of extra side jobs and save accordingly. Hopefully I have budgeted it right for this year. Besides is is all about the cars and seeing friends isn't it. Enjoy Ken [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] De soto, Illinois   Posted by streetrodder35  -  06/02/2008 05:15 PM You are so right about Frog Follies being the best deal around. Their food prices are unbelievably low, entry is low, and they give away a lot of great stuff and have great goody bags. Best show anywhere around the south. I only wish I could take my 51, but they won't take it. We sold our streetrod a couple of years ago and I sure miss taking a car to the Follies. I may go anyway and just look around. They also have a great swap meet. streetrodder35 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Mt Juliet, Tennessee   Posted by REBORN55  -  06/02/2008 05:22 PM you could always put your 51 in the swap meet area and walk around. I have had friends do that in the past. Ken [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] De soto, Illinois   Posted by streetrodder35  -  06/02/2008 05:30 PM Now there is an idea!! Thanks, I may just try it. streetrodder35 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Mt Juliet, Tennessee   Posted by roofcam34  -  06/03/2008 01:35 AM Our local and smaller shows around here get from $0 to around $25 for the entry fees. I'm a rookie as for as being a participant at the NSRA and the GG's, but I'm going to spend the $40 at Des Moines July 4th for the weekend pass for me and the co-pilot. Don't care about the awards, but a door prize would be nice, and the price is right just for seeing the cars and visiting with the rodders. Leo (roofcam34) [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Sioux City, Iowa   Posted by awsum34  -  06/03/2008 06:46 AM Bottom line,,,If they get that high, don't go. If more people don't go, they'll get message. awsum34 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Overland Park, Kansas   Posted by lenbeal  -  06/03/2008 06:58 AM I f anybody is going to Indy and spens over $80 buck a night to stay their, you have not let your fingers do the walking. $50 buck a day for food, and then theirs gas. Should be able to stay at Indy for max $400. Plus gas...Can,t aford to stay at the Adams mark.. flyingb [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] harrogate, Tennessee   Posted by Willys33  -  06/03/2008 10:35 AM Lets take a second look at car show just for a minute. When the show promotors take your money what do they do to earn it? Is there a goodie bag? Band or DJ? Give aways? Site selection (hot parking lot or grass and trees). Do they come around and thank you for coming or do you never see them again? Get off the trailer and drive [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Alamogordo, New Mexico   Posted by REBORN55  -  06/03/2008 10:45 AM Good point Jerry--that is why I stopped going to Super Chevy shows---take your money and bye-bye. Len--that is why we started staying in the Plainfield area, plenty of places to eat and better motel rates. Kroger is right down the road for us to shop for our lunches and beverages to take to the show . Lots of ways to save and still enjoy ourselves. If we could only figure a way to turn the rain off. Ken [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] De soto, Illinois   Posted by cr55  -  06/03/2008 03:03 PM Ken, when you figure out the weather formula please let me know. They are calling for rain on Saturday the seventh for the NSRA show at York. My only day off!!!!!.please help.......CR I thought that I knew it all , but.. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] dover, Delaware   Posted by dixie  -  06/03/2008 09:51 PM Well i'm gonna bite the bullet and go to gg atlanta this mo ,about a 900 mi round trip like they say can't take it with you. jim grace [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] dade city, Florida Charter Member since January 2006   Posted by REBORN55  -  06/04/2008 01:34 PM cr I must be doing something right--checked weather for Indy this morning and instead of raining for 3 days it is down to 1 day now. Of course it is also Satruday. There is still time. Ken [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] De soto, Illinois   Posted by gman0046  -  06/04/2008 03:18 PM I't wouldn't seem right if you weren't ankle deep in mud walking around the Indy Swap Meet. gman0046 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Anchorage, Kentucky   Posted by cr55  -  06/04/2008 04:36 PM you must be right, they just changed the forcast for Saturday to clear and 90! Woo hoo!!!!! I thought that I knew it all , but.. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] dover, Delaware   Posted by hidollartoys  -  06/04/2008 09:17 PM I ride motorcycles and attend some structured events. Fees range from 25.00 to 45.00 per rider. Thats 50.00 to 90.00 with wife on board. These are all charity rides. Riders get food, shirt and there is usually raffle prizes for entry fee (additional chances available at extra$$$). Hundreds of bikes show up. Best rides are weekly bike nites (cruses). No cost just fun and fellowship. Rod runs are by nature EXPENSIVE. But this is an EXPENSIVE hobby. Maybe we should just drive our cars for no apparent reason. Just my .02 hidollartoys [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] gardner, Kansas

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