Just because something looks easy, doesn’t mean it is.
That was certainly the case with the “Back the Blue” event in downtown Loganville. The Master’s Car Club made hosting this show look easy.
This car-focused, community celebration was firing on all cylinders throughout the day. Even the weather was on their side with abundant blue sky and cool morning temperatures.
For the second time in 2022, this club filled the city streets with beautiful vehicles, people, fun, and great music. All of that left us pondering this simple question.
How do they do it?
At a time when car clubs struggle to put on one show, how can they put on two successful ones in the same year?
So, we went searching for David Sparks, Master’s Car Club President to learn more about the club and how they do it.
Planning A Downtown Show
Rod Worley – Editor – Putting on a car show, especially one in downtown Loganville, must take considerable planning. What is the process like, and how long does it take?
David Sparks – Master’s Car Club President – It does take some planning, especially when you close off city streets. We usually start about six months in advance of a show.
Of course, blocking off roads and streets takes some planning ahead of time. It takes about three months for the State D.O.T. to permit us to block off the road.
Kristy Daniel, the events and marketing coordinator for the City of Loganville, does a lot for this show. The city of Loganville supplies the police force, the venue, restrooms, and advertising.
Also, Skip Baliles, the Mayor of Loganville, has supported us in many ways. I doubt we could do a car show downtown without their support.
But in the end, it comes down to a great group of Master’s Car Club members who put in the time and effort to bring this show together.
Starting Master’s Car Club
Rod Worley – Editor – While thousands have attended your club’s car shows, they may not be as familiar with the Master’s Car Club. How did the club come together?
David Sparks – Master’s Car Club President – The club has been around for 19 years. We started in my backyard in the garage.
In the beginning, it was an afternoon social club where we would get together, show off our cars, and eat barbecue.
From there, it changed into a Saturday morning car club and eventually became a Christian car club. At that point, we started to do ministry work for the people of Loganville.
We did free oil changes for a while and then moved into fixing up donated cars and giving them to people in need. Over a couple of years, we probably gave away 40 cars.
And so it’s become a ministry of good Christian guys and ladies getting together, having a good time, and helping people out in need.
Adding A 3rd Yearly Show?
Rod Worley – Editor – Your club does more than one charity car show in Loganville annually. What is the other one, and are there plans to add additional events?
David Sparks – Master’s Car Club President – Yes, we do a spring event in downtown Loganville that supports the Almsprings Food Basket. That charity is a local nonprofit food pantry for those in need.
The pantry is located at Sparky’s Auto Museum at 1209 Nathan Blvd, in Loganville.
We started the “Back the Blue” car show to show our support for our police department, raise funds for additional dept equipment and have fun. The community has really gotten behind this event.
In many ways, it has grown and become even more popular than our spring event. As far as adding a third event each year, well, we’re looking into it.
We haven’t gotten all the specifics nailed down, but we’ve got some good ideas floating around.
Meet At Sparky’s Machines
Rod Worley – Editor – For those of us who appreciate a good car show, thanks for putting on these two events every year. So, tell us more about the Master’s Car Club.
Where and when do you meet?
David Sparks – Master’s Car Club President – We meet from April to October on the first Tuesday night of the month at Sparky’s Machines. We picked that date because everyone wants to go to car shows on the weekend.
We switch up the meeting date from November through March and meet on the first Saturday of the month at Sparky’s Machines.
You know, while we have a moment, I want to thank everyone in our car club for working so hard. This year we changed things a bit, and everyone had a department they were in charge of for the events.
It worked out flawlessly, all due to their efforts and hard work. So because of them, we’re confident we can add a third event next year to our schedule.
And, of course, I want to thank the City of Loganville, the Police Department, and everyone who pitched in and helped to bring our community together.
Supporting Those In Blue
It warmed our hearts to see the local community come out in support of Loganville’s finest. I’m sure the men and women in blue who serve and protect them appreciated it as well.
This show also featured streets filled with impressive custom vehicles, several food options, vendors, and probably the best event D.J. we’ve heard this year.
All told, this successful event raised $10,000 for the purchase of needed equipment. The show raised money but more importantly, it lowered barriers and fostered trust.
Which in the end, could be even more valuable. One thing is for certain, we’re looking forward to next year’s event, and so should you.
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