Autumn Leaves turn silver (anniversary)

It is the annual event for area car enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates a nicely shaped fender as the 25th Autumn Leaves Car Show returns to Granville Sunday Sept. 25. For one quarter of a century auto enthusiasts have been gathering on a (hopefully) sunny and warm fall day to admire everything there is to love about the combustion engine and the sheet metal wrapped around it.

“We’re hoping to see a bigger turnout than normal,” committee chair Denise Davies said. Some of the moves made for last year’s show burning up the Internet with e-mails to get more vehicles into the show this season paid off and should continue to do so. In the interest of continuing to develop the show, Davies said the chamber members decided to fix the date at one point in the calendar and leave it there. Too much confusion results from rain dates and reschedules, the thinking went, so it is a bit of an all or nothing prospect for the organization, but Davies said the Granville Chamber of Commerce members considered the number of regional shows and many other factors before making the call.

“Now when people think of the last Sunday in September, they’ll think of Autumn Leaves,” she said.

“All we need is good weather, everything else it there” Davies said. “That’s what’s key, you have to get the cars there and people who put so much into their cars don’t want to take them out in the rain – good weather is important,” Davies said. 

Cars, trucks and many other vehicles in every color of the rainbow and then some all shined up like rolling mirrors will fill up the grounds of the Granville Elementary School for fans of the unique American art form – the automobile – all day Sunday, Sept. 25.

For 24 years, previously, automobile enthusiasts have gathered for the final local auto show of the season where slate plaques are awarded for winners in 25 classifications, with 14 special awards. The show has 12 major sponsor awards. Special awards include Best in Show, Longest Distance Traveled, Best Show Display or possibly the most coveted car title at the show: Most likely to get pulled over – sponsored with tongue firmly in check by the Granville Police Benevolent Association.

The show will run from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. A typical show for good weather sees from 300 to 500 patrons and in the neighborhood of 200 vehicles, she said. 

Admission remains $3 per person, with children under 15 free. Show car entries are $20 each and include two admissions to the show as well as commemorative t-shirts. The chamber has had 25th anniversary shirt made up which will be for sale for patrons at $10 each.

Registration for vehicles begins at 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and will have a bit of a wrinkle this year. Those planning to go to the show can fill out the registration form in advance by going to the Granville Chamber of Commerce website and downloading the PDF. This should save those arriving at the show time. This time around, entrants will drive to their spots and park and then come back to the table to register, ideally avoiding the traffic jams and headaches for those who have a supped-up engine that just does not want to idle.

The first 200 entries will receive a dash plaque and goodie bags.

Each paid admission wins the chance at a hogh-definition LCD television; a door prize first for the show. “Everybody has a chance – we’re going to give that TV to somebody,” Davies said.

Harry Haldt returns to emcee the event again this year.

Music will be provided.

Davies said patrons and entrants alike enjoyed playing the Auto Trivia game so it is coming back. Organizers received positive feedback on the game, so the game has returned.

The Granville American Legion Post #323 will be selling chicken barbeque and the Scouts will be selling hot dogs and snacks during the whole show.

“It really is a good day and it’s always a fun time,” Davies said.