Cars and Guitars is set to take over downtown streets in Seymour on Saturday.
In its 12th year, the event features a car show with more than 250 vehicles of all makes and models and a concert. Performing this year is the band Sounds of Summer, a Beach Boys tribute group from North Vernon.
The concert begins at 7 p.m., and people should bring their own lawn chairs for seating.
Registration for the car show begins at noon on West Second Street in front of the Seymour Library. Entry is $20 per vehicle. Preregistered parking begins at 2 p.m.
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There is no admission charge to the car show or concert.
From classic and vintage to muscle and exotic cars, trucks and motorcycles, there’s something for everyone, said Gary Colglazier, who has been involved with the event since its inception.
But the best part of Cars and Guitars is the money raised is donated to the Seymour Parks and Recreation Department to purchase special playground equipment for physically challenged children.
Since the event started in the summer of 2004, nearly $70,000 worth of playground equipment has been installed at Shields and Gaiser parks.
Event committee members would like to be able to purchase similar equipment for Kessler and Kasting parks.
“But it takes $25,000 to $30,000 to purchase more equipment, so we are just putting the money in the parks department account right now,” Colglazier said.
The show raises money through vehicle entries, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, sponsors and donations.
Last year’s show resulted in a $5,000 donation to the city.
Unlike other car shows, there are no trophies or prizes awarded to the best cars.
Even though there are no awards, there are plenty of door prizes that are valued at more than $100 each, including a set of tires from George’s of Seymour and Prairie Farms milk for a year.
There also will be a silent auction consisting of items donated by local merchants.
“The community has been good in supporting this event,” Colglazier said. “We appreciate all of the donations we get from businesses and people in Jackson and surrounding counties.”
The show started when Colglazier, his dad, Dan Colglazier, and others decided Seymour needed a downtown event in the summer that would attract a lot of people.
“We’ve always been involved with cars and thought it would be good for the city to do that,” he said. “We had been to a big weekend car show in Springfield, Illinois, and that was kind of a motivator for us.”
Gary Colglazier said he never knows how many cars will show up. The show is open to all makes and models, and the first 250 entries will receive a free dash plaque.
“But I don’t have a favorite,” he said. “I like them all, and it’s neat to be able to see any of them.”
Besides cars and music, there will be food and drinks available to purchase from vendors, and many downtown businesses will be open, too.
A big factor that affects attendance is weather, but organizers are keeping their fingers crossed that it won’t rain.
In the event of rain, the concert will be in the Seymour High School gymnasium.
“We feel like it’s a good thing for the city because it brings a lot of people in and helps the parks,” Colglazier said.
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What: 12th annual Cars and Guitars car show and concert
When: Registration begins at noon Saturday in front of the Seymour Library on West Second Street. Pre-registered parking starts at 2 p.m. Concert begins at 7 p.m.
Where: Downtown Seymour
Cost: Admission is free; Registration for vehicles is $20
Information: Call Gary Colglazier at 812-569-8779 or Dan Colglazier at 812-522-3449 or visit carsandguitarsofseymour.com
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