In our last post we talked about the history of the car show, today we will continue our review of how car shows have carved out its history here in the US, and helped automotive
In our last post we talked about the history of the car show, today we will continue our review of how car shows have carved out its history here in the US, and helped automotive collectors gain access to some of the rarest makes and models the world has ever seen. Located all across America, each community has its own car shows, whether it be a branch of a neighborhood block party, to a nationally recognized award-winning annual event.
d’Elegance of Vegas
One of these events is the Concours d’Elegance, which is famous for being renowned internationally for its prestigious classic and vintage automobiles. Located in Amelia Island, Florida (https://www.ameliaconcours.com/) and Pebble Beach, California (https://pebblebeachconcours.net/), event goers are privy to amazing private collections consisting of a 1930 Packard worth $2 Million dollars and a 1904 Fiat, which was one of the most expensive motorcars at that time. Selling to the public for $13,000 in 1904, today it would be sold for over $44,000 dollars if manufactured in current times. With men in fedoras and women dressed up like they’re going to the Kentucky Derby, these car shows are oozing with elegance, hence the name.
Another famous car show is located in the one and only Las Vegas. Dedicated to customizations, aftermarket modifications and motorsports, the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association: https://www.semashow.com/) is regarded for its high-performance cars. In fact, my husband and I watch previously recorded SEMA events on our Roku whenever possible…for hours…unapologetically.
With us as a human race speeding at full speed into the future, there is no avoiding technological advancements, and with these future innovations comes car shows dedicated to electric and alternative fuel vehicles, as well as autonomous driving technologies. These car shows also give a platform for designers to showcase their concept cars and future mobility solutions.
Leeds Days are the best days
My personal goal is to go to at least one of these car shows, since I love the aesthetic artistry that goes into the designing and engineering of these amazing vessels. In fact, one of my husband’s most favorite cars is the Shelby Cobra, which I was able to see in action at the Leeds Days Car Show this afternoon. Being adventurous, I stopped by after having lunch with my mother-in-law, and spent an hour and a half walking around admiring nearly 100 cars, almost making me late for work! But it was all worth it.
Closing off almost all of Floyd Boulevard, the Leeds car show was like no other block party I’ve ever been to. In fact, Leeds is technically in Sioux City, Iowa, but at one point it was its own township, with a post office, library and police station. But with the growth of Sioux City absorbing Leeds into its city limits it was more economically beneficial to join forces. However, you ask anyone who lives in Leeds, and they will tell you they are from and live in Leeds, not Sioux City. The pride for their heritage runs deep, and even to this day you see storefronts with the towns name, such as Leeds Barbershop and Leeds Self Storage. They even have their own Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/LeedsIaUsa/)!
Leed-ing the pack
So, armed with the nostalgia and background knowledge of this beloved neighborhood on the north side of Sioux City, then you must know when Leeds Days comes around, their car show is the place to be if you’re in the area. From food truck vendors to live music, this is a true celebration of an American past-time. Known as the Leeds Show and Shine, event goers will meet locals who have entered their prized possessions into this must-see event.
One of these proud entries was a 1940, whose owner let me sit in the front seat! I met men and women, young and old, who spent years modifying and proudly customizing their cars and trucks. Spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on an automobile, and then investing even more into restoring it, you can guess why many of these are considered a work of art, and not just a mode of transportation.
In the past 16 years of living in Sioux City, I’ve been to the Leeds Carnival, Leeds Parade and now the Leeds Show and Shine. Living on the north side of Sioux City during all my years of residency here, I can honestly say that Leeds really does feel like its own little town, separated from the busy downtown chaos. So far, this is the best car show I’ve been to here in the area, but I hear there are a couple more I need to attend in September, so stay tuned, because I may have a surprise for you in the next couple months. Cheers! And vroom vroom!
