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

Amesbury, MA - The annual Carriagetown Car Show in Amesbury, Massachusetts, has once again proven to be a resounding success, drawing thousands of visitors and showcasing a remarkable collection of historic vehicles. This year's event, held on a sunny Saturday, was a testament to the community's passion for automotive history and the enduring appeal of classic cars.

Revving Up Excitement and Community Engagement

A Showcase of Automotive Gems

The Carriagetown Car Show is a highly anticipated event that brings together car enthusiasts from near and far. This year, the event saw a record-breaking 330 cars lining the streets of downtown Amesbury, each one a unique and meticulously maintained piece of automotive history. From vintage Volkswagen Beetles to gleaming muscle cars, the diversity of the vehicles on display captivated the crowds and ignited a sense of wonder and nostalgia.One of the highlights of the event was the kids' car judging activity, led by retired Amesbury teacher and noted gearhead, Bruce McBrien. McBrien guided a group of nine children through the car show, allowing them to explore the vehicles and choose their favorites. "Some had already chosen their favorite vehicles," McBrien recounted. "One young girl was very enthusiastic about going up and seeing Herbie, 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."

Engaging the Community and Supporting Local Nonprofits

The Carriagetown Car Show is more than just a display of classic cars; it's a celebration of community spirit and a platform for supporting local organizations. Amesbury Carriage Museum Director Kelly Daniell expressed her delight in seeing car owners awarded a "kids' choice" ribbon, noting the excitement and pride they felt in being selected.Beyond the car show itself, the event also served as a fundraiser for the Amesbury Carriage Museum and Opportunity Works, another local nonprofit. According to Juliann Clark, a member of the car show committee, the event raised thousands of dollars for these organizations. "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.

Coordinating the Logistics and Celebrating the Volunteers

Organizing an event of this magnitude requires meticulous planning and coordination, and the Carriagetown Car Show was no exception. McBrien expressed his gratitude for the efforts of city officials, including Mayor Kassandra Gove and Police Chief Craig Bailey, as well as the Department of Public Works, in facilitating the event and ensuring its smooth operation."We certainly appreciate the great help from Mayor Kassandra Gove and (police) Chief Craig Bailey in facilitating all this, and of course our wonderful DPW for all the work they do getting the place ready, putting the barricades out and collecting whatever is left behind after the show," McBrien said.The success of the Carriagetown Car Show is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the event's organizers, volunteers, and the Amesbury community as a whole. By bringing together car enthusiasts, supporting local nonprofits, and fostering a sense of community pride, the Carriagetown Car Show has become a cherished tradition that continues to captivate and inspire all who attend.