The start of this year has challenged us individually and collectively in ways we’ve never experienced before. Aspects of our life that we never thought would change have changed rapidly, leaving us longing for any moment of calm.
For a few short hours on a gorgeous Saturday morning, the generosity of one man gave many of us that moment of calm that we so desperately needed. All this begs the question, “When is a car show more than just a car show?”
This event gave us the answer.
Family Friendly From Start To Finish
Few car shows are as family-friendly as this one. From start to finish, it was clear; this event was setup for car-loving parents and their families to enjoy. The families found acres of beautifully manicured grass, a hospitality tent with giant fans, and free food.
Most car shows are usually limited in terms of available space. They have to pack everything they can into a small, confined space.
This venue has plenty of room for kids to run around and enjoy the Farm’s over 500 plus vintage vehicles rusting in the Georgia sun.
Some were surprised to find the Simpson Farm is just a farm in the name only. There are no farm animals or barns to be found anywhere.
It was the perfect place for families to experience the Farm’s permanent collection and the vehicles that came in for the event in a safe, relaxing atmosphere.
Southern Hospitality At Its Finest
Genuine southern hospitality was on display the entire day. This big event was open to everyone in the community, free of charge. The “free” part extended all the way down to the great barbecue, hamburgers, chips, and soft drinks they served to anyone who was hungry.
All told, over 4,000 people took Mr. Simpson up on his open invitation. The music was provided by a DJ on the main grounds and a solo guitarist playing at the facilities down by the pond.
The friendly staff used non-contact infrared thermometers to check everyone. Once verified, they attached wristbands as visual confirmation. The sheer size of the event made social distancing easy for everyone.
Largest Car Show In The Area
Few can remember a larger, more well-attended car show in the Gainesville area than this one. From vintage cars from the 1930s to the 2019 Corvettes, and everything in between was on display for the public.
The diverse range of vehicles meant there was something there for every automotive enthusiast. All told, we estimate between 400 to 500 show-quality vehicles came in to be a part of this gathering.
One point that you had to tip your hat to is the level of event organization. For having never hosted an event on the grounds, they had everything planned and staffed correctly.
From the Sheriff’s department directing traffic, down to the helpful team working the event, everything ran smoothly. You would have thought they had been doing this for years.
The Break In Life We All Needed
We posed a thought-provoking question at the beginning of this article. “When is a car show more than just a car show?”
For years we would have said, “A car show is a car show, some are just better prepared than others.” That was our view before we attended the event James Simpson threw for over 4,000 of his closest friends.
This event was different because it was more than beautiful cars; it was a much-needed afternoon of fun and calm.
For years many of us will remember Mr. Simpson’s generosity, but everyone will remember his car show for the break in life we all needed that day.
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