The Corvette Expo event has been one of the top car shows in the area for decades. Hard to believe, but this show has been running for 43 years.
We were planning on covering the event in March before the pandemic changed our world. We asked Keith Stephenson from the Corvette Cruisers of Atlanta Club to cover this August event for us due to our subsequent scheduling issues.
You probably remember Keith and his beautiful custom 2016 Laguna Blue Z06. We included photos of it in our article titled, A Classic Southern Cruise-In.
Keith is no stranger to picking up trophies for his head-turning Vette. He also knows his way around a car show, which is evident in this report.
What follows is an edited transcript, adapted for this article. Enjoy!
Thank You Keith!
ROD WORLEY – Editor – Keith, before we get started, I want to thank you for covering this event for our Vettes of Atlanta Magazine readers. So, what was your overall impression of the Corvette Expo event this year?
KEITH STEPHENSON – You’re welcome, Rod, besides, I was planning on attending this show for a while now. Since this was my first time at the Corvette Expo in Pigeon Forge, I have to say; I was impressed with the overall quality level of the cars on display inside.
You could tell this was a premium car event the minute you walked through the door. The event was scheduled initially for March of 2020, but they moved it to May due to the pandemic.
Eventually, they had to postpone the event again. The Corvette Expo was finally able to take place on August 7th & 8th, 2020.
The LeConte Center was sold out, with 117 cars registered to be inside for the original March date. In August, they had 80 vehicles under the roof.
To be expected, the draw was down versus last year. In 2019 attendance stood at 1,200 for the event. This year, due to COVID, the number dropped to about 800.
COVID Awareness
ROD WORLEY – Editor – Did the staff encourage social distancing and wearing masks as a COVID precaution?
KEITH STEPHENSON – We were required to wear a mask while inside the building. The staff continually walked around and reminded people to put on a mask or to pull it up.
They did an excellent job monitoring compliance throughout the show.
Gauging The Turnout
ROD WORLEY – Editor – Roughly, how many Corvettes do you think attended? How did it compare to other events you participated in during the last year?
KEITH STEPHENSON – Well, I know they had 305 Corvettes depart from the LeConte Center and take on the Tail of the Dragon as part of the show’s “Cruise the Dragon” event.
There were more Corvettes here in Pigeon Forge than I’ve ever seen at one show. I went to the 17th annual “Vettes at the Beach” car show in Pensacola Beach last year.
This show was much bigger overall than last year’s Pensacola event.
If I had to put a number on it, I would say inside the pavilion alone; there were 30 to 40 newer Corvette models and 10 to 20 early generations. The outside parking lots were filled with Corvettes.
One guy, Patrick Stevenson, drove his 2010 Corvette 1,386 miles from Colorado to attend this event. That gives you a feel for how significant this event was for some people.
Other Events Happening?
ROD WORLEY – Editor – Was the Corvette Expo the only event taking place that weekend at the LeConte Center? I know in the past, they’ve had a smaller event happening as well inside.
KEITH STEPHENSON – Yes, they also had a “Chevelle in the Smokies” showdown at the same time. Supposedly they had the 18 best Chevelles in the country competing.
This event also included a Corvette Cruise, Swap Meet, Horsepower and Hot Rods, Sales Corral, Park N’ Show, as well as the indoor judged competition show.
Bad Boy Vs Mad Vettes
ROD WORLEY – Editor – Looking over the brochure, it mentioned that Bad Boy Vettes from Texas would be attending. I’m sure they had a strong showing of custom Vettes.
James Williams started that business, and I think he claims he has over 14,000 in that group. Who won the top awards, and were there any other clubs in attendance?
KEITH STEPHENSON – Yes, Bad Boy Vettes had an impressive display and won a bunch of trophies. Donnie Herron from over at Powder Springs, GA, with Mad Vettes, also showed up and took home about as many prizes.
Those two are known to be rivals, and they were going after each other for the “Highest Attendance” award. In the end, they both got an award for “Highest Attendance.”
James Williams’s car “Saint” from Bad Boy Vettes won the best of show. Second place went to Jason McCullum’s car, which supposedly had $300,000 invested in it. My car placed third in the “Wild Custom” category.
Weekend Wrap Up
ROD WORLEY – Editor – What would you change about the event? Did you like it overall, and would you recommend it to other Corvette owners?
KEITH STEPHENSON – It would have been nice to understand the various trophy classes better. Clubs like Mad Vettes and Bad Boy Vettes won multiple awards in different categories.
That was my only negative for the whole weekend. Overall, I met many friendly, car-loving people, and the show handed out a lot of awards.
It was a well run, high-end car show from start to finish. They had hot rods, street rods, and everything in between. It was a show that had a little bit of something for everyone.
I would certainly recommend it to Corvette owners and anyone who enjoys a good car show.
A Show We Recommend
If you’ve never made it out to the Corvette Expo event, we would recommend it. As a bit of trivia, the name of the Center is a tribute to the building’s spectacular view of Mount LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
You’ve got a great car show venue when you combine the view and amenities with the 232,000 square-foot LeConte Event Center. Thanks again to Keith Stephenson for giving us his first-timers impression on this venerable, 43-year-old Corvette car show.
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