Classic Mustangs or just MUSTANGS......?
Two totally different crowds     (at least it's that way here during Mustang Week.)
6sally6

Sadly, I am finding that in today's world, the past procedure of having a car show and investing a major portion of the morning and afternoon in holding the show, having the cars judged by the public, and awarding trophies to the winners is fading like the sunset. Today's younger car enthusiasts are opting for more much shorter, cars and coffee type of shows where they show up, hang out for a couple of hours, then leave to attend another show, or just leave period.

This observation of mine is made about the younger, newer model Mustang owners, and us older, classic Mustang owners are not of the same mind. The shorter shows don't require much in the way of planning or club participation to make them happen and thus not much to do to include club members so that they feel that they are part of something.

Club membership numbers are declining, and trying to plan a yearly calendar to provide opportunities for participation is definitely getting to be a challenge - especially if the membership doesn't step up and support the club by attending those planned activities.
As with any organization, there always seems to be three circles of membership. The smaller, inner circle that plans the events and participates in them all.  The second circle which attends some events, but sporadically, and the third, larger circle of members who don't participate in much of anything, and yet they renew their memberships each year.

It gets frustrating for me, as I enter my second year as club president. All I and my board can do it make the opportunities available. It is up to the members to participate.

(Steps down off of soap box...)

 

MS wrote:

I just read that the Pate Swap Meet in Dallas is about the same time. Probably a better use of my time.
Anybody want to have a mini bash and go to the swap meet?

 I'm in for a pate/mini bash.   Emberglo girl is still down waiting the doc ok to use right arm/hand.  Might have it running ??   

BobE wrote:

Ron68 wrote:

Sadly, I am finding that in today's world, the past procedure of having a car show and investing a major portion of the morning and afternoon in holding the show, having the cars judged by the public, and awarding trophies to the winners is fading like the sunset. Today's younger car enthusiasts are opting for more much shorter, cars and coffee type of shows where they show up, hang out for a couple of hours, then leave to attend another show, or just leave period.

This observation of mine is made about the younger, newer model Mustang owners, and us older, classic Mustang owners are not of the same mind. The shorter shows don't require much in the way of planning or club participation to make them happen and thus not much to do to include club members so that they feel that they are part of something.

Club membership numbers are declining, and trying to plan a yearly calendar to provide opportunities for participation is definitely getting to be a challenge - especially if the membership doesn't step up and support the club by attending those planned activities.
As with any organization, there always seems to be three circles of membership. The smaller, inner circle that plans the events and participates in them all.  The second circle which attends some events, but sporadically, and the third, larger circle of members who don't participate in much of anything, and yet they renew their memberships each year.

It gets frustrating for me, as I enter my second year as club president. All I and my board can do it make the opportunities available. It is up to the members to participate.

(Steps down off of soap box...)

 

Ron - Your assessment of car clubs and car show participation over the last few years is very similar to what is being found here. 
The 20-member local car club I belong for the past 8 years is a 50-year-old club whose members are more “Hot Rod” guys and many are in their late seventies to mid-eighties (I’m 74).  At one time there were about 40 members.  Members are slowing down, and the car show is becoming a more like a burden rather than an event to look forward to. 
And, yes ‘cruise’ type events that are shorter, no car judging, no trophies, just an evening, or w/e morning get together for a few hours and head out. 
Also, the roles of the three circles of membership are accurate, although I’ve found this true in any organization.   
 

Yeah Bob - sounds about right - I'm 75, and a lot of our members are getting up there.
 

MS - I’m with you on “non-official” get togethers.  I also appreciate owner-built cars, and when those owners appreciate the work I’ve done. 
Trophies to me are like some say; “dust collectors”, but there are guys out there that our club members have classified as “trophy whores”.  And get quite upset if they do not receive a trophy.
 

Yep
After researching Mustang Week, it is not my kind of crowd.

I want to do a mini bash once I get the front end of the 66 back together.

Mini Bash
65-73 Mustangs
Guys only.  Sorry, ladies. Sit this one out.
Typically within a one day drive
One night stay at a motel at the location
If it can fit in with a local classic car show or museum, all the better!

Ok, Bullet, you got 2.5 seconds to decide…

I have an idea for a mini bash.
Since the idea of a mini bash is to not have to drive more than one day to attend, what if there were numerous mini bashes held in numerous locations across the country?
All on the same day. 
Wherever two or more FYI-ers can meet, let there be a mini bash.
That way, everybody that has a classic Mustang can participate.