Car Show

by Elyse Apel

Stillwell Ford, a car dealership located in Hillsdale, Michigan, is preparing to host its 7th Annual Car Show.

“Last year, we had over 500 show cars on the lot,” says Eric Hoffman, president of Stillwell Ford. “This year, we are expecting anywhere from 500 to 600 cars to participate.”

On September 9, from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., participants and spectators alike will be able to attend the car show for free. The show is held at Stillwell Ford on its car lot. Free coffee and doughnuts will be available in the morning, as well as three different local food vendors that will also be on site.

“Cottage Inn Pizza, Pub and Grub (serving tacos), and Butler Dogs will all be there,” Hoffman explains.

There will also be a 50/50 raffle, with the proceeds going to support the local non-profit Child Abuse and Prevention Awareness of Hillsdale County (CAPA).

“We just think they do such a great service for the community,” Hoffman says.

The show is open to all participants and car models.

“They can be any make and model,” Hoffman says. “In past years, we’ve had everything from drag cars to old-fashioned tow trucks and motorcycles. We often get a little bit of everything.”

While most of the cars that participate are antique, not all the vehicles are.

“There are also some more modern cars that are brought to the show, but the majority are classic cars,” Hoffman says.

The first car show was held in 2016 and was held to honor Stillwell Ford’s 50th anniversary.

This is the seventh annual car show but it’s the eighth year; one had to be canceled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“It started on our 50th anniversary and we just kept holding them because it was such a success,” Hoffman explains. “That first year, we thought we would get around 50 cars to participate, but we had over 200 show up.” Since then, the show has continued growing every year.

“When we started this, it was meant to be a way to give back to the community,” Hoffman says. “It has grown so much, we now empty our entire car lot. Every single car is gone.”

The dealership’s employees come together to help put on the car show and Hoffman says it wouldn’t be possible without them, but that the work of putting it on is all worth it to give back to the community.

“Everyone just loves coming together to see all the antique vehicles,” he says. “It’s been very well received by the community.”

Registration is not required for cars to participate in the show. However, you may register your show car at stillwellford.com and, if you sign up before August 18, you will get a dash plaque and t-shirt.