Hampton Car Show still planned in light of Summerfest cancelation

Not even a pandemic can stop Jeff and Tracy Spear from hosting Hampton’s annual car show.

On the heels of the Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce’s decision to can-cel Summerfest this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Spears announced intentions to still put on the annual car cruise and car show typically associated with Summerfest.

This year’s show will be Sunday, August 30 from noon to 3 p.m. at Band Shell Park in Hampton. Registration is $15 and will be from 9 a.m. to noon. The car cruise will be Friday, August 28, with cars gathering at Faith Baptist Church at 5:30 p.m. and departing at 6 p.m.

The car show will include a live DJ, as well as trophies provided by J-T Machine and Tool and food vendors.

Jeff Spear said he expects a good turnout of vehicles and has heard from many usual participants who have expressed interest. He said their confidence in the event was bolstered by a successful presentation of the annual Father’s Day Car Show in the Faith Baptist parking lot. With 40 vehicles at that event and interested express since, Spear said he thinks anticipation still remains for this year.

“We feel like we will get a pretty good turnout,” he said. Spear said, in turn, the public will respond well to the event and take advantage of an opportunity for summer entertainment.

“It’s just a sense of normalcy,” he said. “It’s something we’ve had every year now…and we’re excited to still offer it. And it’ll be good for the city and getting people uptown.”