2 benefit car shows are planned

Automotive enthusiasts will have plenty of full-throttle entertainment this weekend at car shows set for Saturday and Sunday.

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The Evans Lions Club and the CSRA Road Angels will hold the Jim Metts Memorial Car Show from noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Wesley United Methodist Church, 825 N. Belair Road in Evans.

Dr. Jim Metts, an area orthodontist and classic car enthusiast, was a charter member of the Lions Club. He died in June, said show Chairman Art Turner.

Vehicle owners are invited to enter their rides in one of eight classes -- antiques, classics, customs, exotics, street rods, imports, motorcycles and trucks. Registration runs from 9 until 11:30 a.m. and costs $20 per vehicle.

"We've already preregistered a 1911 Reo and a 2007 Jaguar," Turner said. "That's a pretty big spread."

The event also will include door prizes, a 50-50 raffle for cash, music and a wrecked car that show visitors can beat with a sledgehammer for $10.

"It is going to be an event. It really is," Turner said. "We are prepared to serve 1,000 people hamburgers and hot dogs."

Prizes include those for first and second in each class, best of show, oldest in show, people's choice and some special awards.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Lions Club Camp for the Blind and the Wesley United Methodist Church Mechanics Ministry.

Car enthusiasts can extend their show experience from noon until 6 p.m. Sunday at Harlem High School for the sixth annual Car Show and Swap Meet, put on by the school's Transportation-VICA club.

"We take all makes and models of trucks, cars and motorcycles," said Nicholas Hayes, transportation teacher and event coordinator.

Any vehicle can be entered in the show for a donation. Entry into the bass competition for the loudest stereo will cost $10. The stereo competition will run from 4 until 6 p.m.

Vehicles will be judged on engine, paint, interior, customization, tires and wheels, and overall appearance. There also will be a people's choice award.

"Each car is judged on the same criteria, no matter the year or model," Hayes said.

Depending on the weather, he said, the shows have brought 75 to 135 participating vehicles.

People not showing their vehicles or entering the bass competition are admitted to the event for free. Refreshments will be available.

Proceeds from the show help the club pay for trips to competitions, tools, equipment and possibly an end-of-the-year pizza party, Hayes said.

Any vendors with vehicle-related items to sell can register for a booth at the event for $10. Contact Hayes to reserve a booth.

To obtain more information, contact Hayes at nicholas.hayes@ccboe.net or (706) 556-5980, ext. 218.