AMESBURY — Another successful Carriagetown Car Show is in the books with people from across the state and region flocking to Market Square this weekend to marvel at hundreds of vintage vehicles.
Organizers were thrilled with Saturday’s turnout with over 400 cars owners participating in the show.
“It was amazing. That’s a record for us by 75 cars, and the selection of cars was outstanding,” Alan Porter, one of the show’s founders, said.
As a result, visitors flooded downtown Amesbury, engaging with area shops and restaurants.
“It’s really grown into something that brings people in. And, I think what makes me even happier is it’s really establishing Amesbury as a place to go and visit. And, I know all the shops were busy, all the restaurants were busy and I think that’s fantastic news,” Bruce McBrien, the show’s youth judging coordinator, said.
Each of the 400 cars were from 1989 or earlier, with the oldest in attendance dating back to 1903.
This year’s car show also introduced the Founder’s Trophy dedicated to former Amesbury Mayor Ken Gray who passed away in October 2024.
Gray came up with the show’s concept and in his honor a trophy was presented by his daughters to a sand-colored 1957 Chevy Bel Air, the same color as Gray’s car.
“That was one of the highlights of the trophies. It was really emotional, it felt really good to honor Ken Gray,” Porter said.
This year’s show also attracted car aficionados from across New England, which came as a surprise to Porter.
“I was amazed. I talked to people that had driven two hours to get here from Maine, all over the state, New Hampshire,” he said.
A younger crowd was also drawn to the show, to learn about and participate in car show judging, something Porter said he was thrilled to see.
“They absolutely loved it. It’s so great to see it, it gets kids interested in cars,” he said.
McBrien said he enjoyed seeing kids engage with car experts and decide which vehicles were their favorites.
“I couldn’t have been happier. I had a small group of really engaged, excited kids that loved hearing about and learning about the cars. They took their job very seriously. They got to select the cars that they judged. And, when they did, they engaged with the owners and really made the owners feel valued because it mattered to someone to talk about their vehicle,” he said.
Now, with a highly successful show in the rear view mirror, organizers have high hopes for the future of the show.
“It really does feel like it’s evolving into one of the more premier shows in the area,” Porter said.