Amesbury's Carriagetown Car Show Captivates Crowds with Historic Charm and Community Spirit

The annual Carriagetown Car Show in Amesbury, Massachusetts, has once again proven to be a resounding success, drawing hundreds of classic cars and thousands of enthusiastic spectators to the heart of the city. This year's event, which took place on a sunny Saturday, showcased the community's deep appreciation for automotive history and its ability to bring people together in a celebration of shared passions.

A Captivating Showcase of Automotive Artistry and Nostalgia

A Remarkable Turnout and a Joyous Atmosphere

The Carriagetown Car Show has always been a highly anticipated event in Amesbury, but this year's edition surpassed all expectations. With a record-breaking 330 cars lining the streets of the downtown area, the show offered a breathtaking display of automotive history and craftsmanship. From meticulously restored classics to one-of-a-kind custom creations, the sheer variety and quality of the vehicles on display left attendees in awe.The event's organizers, led by the Amesbury Carriage Museum and a dedicated team of volunteers, worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the show ran smoothly. Their efforts were rewarded with a palpable sense of excitement and joy that permeated the atmosphere, as car enthusiasts, families, and curious onlookers alike immersed themselves in the captivating sights and sounds of the Carriagetown Car Show.

The Joy of Sharing Automotive Passions with the Next Generation

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the event was the involvement of children, who were given the opportunity to participate in a special car judging activity. Retired Amesbury teacher and noted gearhead Bruce McBrien led a group of nine children through the car show, allowing them to explore the vehicles and share their excitement."Some had already chosen their favorite vehicles. One young girl was very enthusiastic about going up and seeing Herbie. It was a Volkswagen Beetle that someone had really spent a lot of time creating some fun gimmicks like squirting water and things that the kids love to see," McBrien recounted, his eyes sparkling with the joy of witnessing the next generation's fascination with these automotive marvels.The event's organizers were equally delighted to see the children's enthusiasm. Amesbury Carriage Museum Director Kelly Daniell expressed her delight in seeing car owners awarded a "kids' choice" ribbon, noting that the recipients were "so excited to be selected."

A Celebration of Community and Downtown Revitalization

The Carriagetown Car Show's impact extended beyond the automotive enthusiasts, as it also served as a catalyst for the revitalization of Amesbury's downtown area. Juliann Clark, a member of the car show committee, estimated that thousands of people attended the five-hour event, filling the streets and sidewalks and providing a much-needed boost to local businesses."It is very exciting for our committee to see the show become this big, but also to see that many folks within our downtown area being able to stop in restaurants and shops and really support our downtown," Clark said, underscoring the event's role in driving economic activity and community engagement.The city's officials, including Mayor Kassandra Gove and Police Chief Craig Bailey, were instrumental in facilitating the smooth running of the event, working closely with the organizers and the Department of Public Works to ensure a seamless experience for all attendees.

Giving Back to the Community

The Carriagetown Car Show was not just a celebration of automotive history; it was also a platform for giving back to the community. The event raised thousands of dollars for two local nonprofits: the Amesbury Carriage Museum and Opportunity Works."We should be able to donate the same as last year, which was $6,000 to each," Clark revealed, highlighting the event's commitment to supporting important community initiatives.The Amesbury Carriage Museum also ran a successful 50/50 raffle, which generated an impressive $4,122 in proceeds. Daniell expressed her delight at the level of engagement and enthusiasm shown by attendees, noting that the museum had to replenish its supply of Hot Wheels cars and raffle tickets to keep up with the demand.

A Heartfelt Appreciation for the Community's Support

The success of the Carriagetown Car Show was not just a testament to the hard work and dedication of the organizers, but also to the unwavering support of the Amesbury community. McBrien, the retired teacher and gearhead, expressed his gratitude for the patience and understanding shown by local merchants and residents throughout the day."I hope they benefited from the many people filling the streets and sidewalks," McBrien said, acknowledging the important role that the community played in making the event a resounding success.The Carriagetown Car Show has become a cherished tradition in Amesbury, a celebration of the city's rich automotive history and a testament to the power of community spirit. As the event continues to grow in size and popularity, it serves as a shining example of how a shared passion can bring people together, support local businesses, and make a lasting impact on the community.