Chattanooga Gears Up for a Family-Friendly Motorcar Festival
Chattanooga is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to host the annual Chattanooga Motorcar Festival this weekend. Running from Friday through Sunday, this three-day celebration promises to be a lot more than just a car show, focusing instead on creating a fun and engaging experience for families!
A New Approach
Byron DeFoor, a prominent Chattanooga developer, is the mastermind behind this impressive event. He shared, “We wanted it to be a family affair.” And he’s right—this festival is crafted for everyone, not just those who can recite a car’s specifications! This year marks the festival’s fifth anniversary, and it’s expected to attract several hundred classic cars along with thousands of attendees who simply love soaking in the atmosphere.
West Village: The Heart of the Festival
The hub of activity will again be the West Village area in downtown Chattanooga, which has been beautifully developed over the past decade. DeFoor emphasized, “This is not just another place for a car show.” The festival will kick off with an opening ceremony party and a walking parade to the Chattanooga Convention Center, where an auction featuring about 90 collector cars will take place starting Saturday.
A Taste of Elegance
With passion and sophistication, Ember Souchet of DeFoor Brothers described the auction hosted by Broad Arrow as “more elegant” than previous festivals, likening it to a prestigious auction in New York City. This year, the festival is bringing in elements that cater to a variety of interests, so there’s much more than just shiny wheels for car enthusiasts.
Fun for All
street festival on Eighth Street, complete with live music and a dazzling laser show. For the football fans in attendance, a dedicated football zone will allow guests to watch their favorite teams while enjoying the festive atmosphere. Kids are not forgotten, with a plethora of activities designed specifically for younger attendees scattered throughout the weekend.
An Elegant Finale
Sunday will host the glamorous Concours D’Elegance, where vintage, historic, and classic cars will be on display, judged by an esteemed panel of experts. This provides the perfect conclusion to a weekend packed with exciting events.
Supporting a Noble Cause
But it’s not just about the cars and the fun—there’s a deeper purpose. Proceeds from the festival support neuroscience research, highlighting an important cause that resonates with many. DeFoor explained, “When you go to Chattanooga, you know it’s about neurological research.” This year, the beneficiary is the Neuroscience Innovation Foundation, led by Dr. Thomas Devlin, who aims to make strides in the field of neurological diseases. DeFoor emphasized the positive impact they hope to have, saying, “Researchers are so close now to a cure.”
Community Spirit
The festival also showcases the community spirit of Chattanooga. Mayor Tim Kelly, a self-proclaimed “old car guy,” expressed his enthusiasm, saying that this event brings “a whole different element” to the city. For him, this edition will be a first, making his experience even more special.
Bringing Chattanooga to the Forefront
DeFoor and his brother have worked tirelessly to position Chattanooga as a destination for events like this. Reflecting on the festival’s growth, he stated, “We didn’t just want to do a ‘me-too.’” Their vision was always about more than just cars; it’s about attracting visitors and boosting the local economy while supporting an essential cause.
So, whether you’re a family looking for a fun weekend event or a casual observer who enjoys the lively ambiance, the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival is sure to provide delightful memories for everyone. Grab your family and enjoy this unique and heartfelt celebration of community spirit and automotive passion!
