Robbing the Hobby
by Nate Salter
While reading through the last issue of Old Autos, I was once again astounded at the fact that more and more old car events still seem to feel that it os OK to charge participants (car owners) anywhere from $10-$35, while they let spectators in for a buck or two.

What is wrong with this picture? I mean, we go out and spend the high dollars to purchase and/or build our cars, we put gas in them and to get to the event, we insure them and we maintain them. Why would any rodder with any modicum of reason not question a promoter who is making him (or her) pay the higher admisison for attending? Because, without the old car guys (and gals), they have no show!

As far as I'm concerned, and I speak for the rest of the Thornhill Cruisers as well, with very few exceptions, we will not support any event that a) puts the rodder at a disadvantage to put on a show or b) any event that is designed to put money in the pocket of the promoter and is only using a charity to give them a front.

Every nickel that our club raises at our cruise night, be it from 50/50 or from the various tickets and auctions that we run, is donated to the charity we work for and, in our seven year history, the ONLY time we charged admission was when we asked for a a can of food or a donation for the food bank at our opening event of the season.

I would welcome feedback from other rodders regarding their feelngs about this situation.

Regards
"Honest" Nate

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