Gear Up Hot Rods!

Hop on your Rat Rod, Hot Rod, or Muscle Car and head to the 8th annual Car Show, sponsored by the Smyrna Jonquil Lions Club, on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 am to 1 pm in Adventure Outdoors parking lot, 2500 South Cobb Dr in Smyrna. The show features classic and antique cars that are stock restored or custom modified.

“We have all types of cars. We had late-model cars to some really quite old one. We’ve had all sorts of cars,” said SJLC President Bill Bailey.

The event is a fundraiser for the Smyrna Jonquil Lions Club, a local club affiliated with Lions Club International, the world’s largest service organization.

“This (car show) is our only fundraiser each year. Instead of having our hand out to the community year-round and the members, this is our one shot at raising money,” Bailey said.

Funds raised go to local needs supported by SJLC like Vision Screenings in Cobb County Schools. “Of those who can’t afford an exam and glasses, we pay for that. That’s one of the main things our funds go toward, to pay for exams and glasses,” Bailey said.

SJLC also works with the Georgia Blind Sports Association, Vision Rehabilitation Services, MUST Ministries, Georgia Lighthouse, and Georgia Lyons Camp.

Cars are placed in two categories stock restored and custom modified in pre-1948 and post-1948. Awards will be presented at 12:30 pm for different criteria like Best of Show, People’s choice, and Specialty trophy.

Most of the cars entered are local. “We usually have a variety of cars, mostly from the area. We have had cars as far away as Carolina and TN. It amazing the variety you will see,” Bailey said.

Cars will be spaced out to encourage social distancing. “People can wander around and enjoy the cars, talk to the owners if you want. Most of these guys like to show off their cars and are willing to talk,” Bailey said.

“I have a feeling we will have a large turnout this year because people are just anxious to get out and experience life.

Photography by Meg Robinson