ADRIAN — Car shows in Adrian that were once part of the First Fridays summer lineup of events in the city have found a new home.
Shows organized and held in and near the East Church Street parking lot of Nova’s Soda Pop Candy Shop, 105 E. Church St., and throughout the downtown streets, have relocated to the Lenawee County Fair & Event Grounds on the east side of Adrian. The first show held at the county’s historic fairgrounds was in June and the next monthly show is scheduled for today, Friday, July 5, from 5 to 8 p.m.
There were “a lot” of cars participating in June’s show and another large number of cars are expected for today’s show, which features Jeeps and Ford Broncos, according to Dave Spencley, co-owner of Nova’s Soda Pop Candy Shop and organizer of the monthly car show.
“Believe it or not, we were running out of space (in June),” Spencley said. "...I was actually shocked with the attendance that we had, even with the onlookers and the guests. It blew my mind, really.”
Being allowed to utilize the fairgrounds, June’s car show and its participants spilled over from the Dean Street entrance of the fairgrounds and into the midway. There also were bounce houses for the kids and Hot Wheels car races. Those attractions will return in July, also, Spencley said.
At least 14-15 merchant vendors also attended the June car show, selling a variety of wares from crafts to car parts.
The fair board has been nice and easy to work with, Spencley said, calling it a welcoming sight after a departure with the city of Adrian and its downtown development authority.
In February, Adrian’s Main Street/DDA committee, in preparations for the 2024 outdoor First Fridays events, announced some noticeable changes to the monthly summer and fall lineup, including scaling back on the number of car shows downtown.
The overall changes, per Adrian Main Street/DDA, are part of an ongoing effort to bring the best possible family-oriented events to downtown Adrian. This year’s lineup, Main Street/DDA previously said, features more family-friendly events and programming that will appeal to many community members.
Decisions to change this year’s outdoor event lineup for First Fridays were made based on input from community members during the events, stakeholder feedback and event attendance data, Downtown Adrian said.
“It is great to see the excitement being generated by our Adrian Main Street board of directors as they continue their work on offering a variety of family-oriented events in our historic downtown,” Dusty Steele, chairman of the Downtown Adrian Main Street/DDA board, said. “Our First Fridays committee has done an excellent job in creating new events that will have a positive impact on our entire community.”
For Spencley, however, he said such decisions — especially when it came to reducing the number of car shows downtown — made it feel like car show organizers and those who have an appreciation for showing off and shining up their machines weren’t wanted or welcome during downtown events.
At the fairgrounds now, car owners can roll in when they want to, and can come and go as they please, Spencley said, adding that a lot of car enthusiasts are coming into Adrian from out of town.
“We honestly didn’t feel wanted downtown,” he said. “...I think what we are doing is good for all of Adrian. The more going on for Adrian and the more people coming into Adrian from out of town, the better.”
The car shows at the fairgrounds are currently scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. but Spencley said they are hoping to expand hours for the rest of the summer from 5 to 10 p.m. Plans are being explored to offer a trolley or shuttle service that can take people from downtown and to the fairgrounds. This is not something currently being offered.
In September, there is going to be a 1960s themed event with a focus on cars from the 60s and an era-themed costume contest. Live music also is booked for the summer.
Today’s car show at the fairgrounds will include nearly seven food trucks, 20 merchant vendors, a beer tent and live music from Gordy Sharpe and the Metros.
— Contact reporter Brad Heineman at bheineman@lenconnect.com or follow him on X, formerly Twitter: twitter.com/LenaweeHeineman.
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