A new community-focused car show will make its debut Saturday as Gearhead Garage hosts the inaugural Gearheads Showcase & Expo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5333 Frederica St. in Owensboro.
The free event will feature a car show, vendors, food trucks, music and contests, with organizers saying the goal is to celebrate the local automotive community while giving back to Owensboro.
Organizer Zoe Stewart said the event was built from the ground up through the support of volunteers, local businesses, friends and family.
“We would like for people to know that this event is 100% community-based,” Stewart said. “We believe there is nothing more important than coming together to achieve big goals. Without the public, volunteers, friends and family, we would not have been able to host this event.”
Stewart said the showcase was inspired by Gearhead Garage owners Shawn Hunt and Luke Durbin, who opened their business Jan. 1 but never had the opportunity to celebrate with a grand opening event. She added that Dan McCormick with B2Z Productions also played a pivotal role as the primary sponsor.
“The boys have always said they wished they could have done a grand opening show,” Stewart said. “When I was made aware of this, I was extremely determined to get this show together and support their dreams.”
She also described the event as a personal milestone.
“It is also a dream of my own to have a show as well, but I had never done something so big before,” Stewart said. “I have a feeling this show will be the first of many successful shows to come.”
The event is sponsored by B2Z Productions, Eli Stracener, the Creager family, Modified Social Club and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Stewart said sponsorships helped fund 23 trophies, event security and other expenses.
“Without them, the funding of this event would have been rather difficult to achieve,” she said.
Three food trucks are scheduled to participate: Blandford Family BBQ, Ben’s Pretzels and Simply JoCo.
Those planning to enter a vehicle are encouraged to arrive by 10:30 a.m. Registration Entrance 1 is reserved exclusively for participants registering vehicles, while Entrance 2 will serve spectators and overflow parking. Participants who preregistered online should provide their name upon arrival for check-in.
Stewart praised Gearhead Garage owners Shawn and Luke for their commitment to the community.
“They are the youngest entrepreneurs I know with this much discipline and determination,” she said. “This show is to give back to the community and an attempt to bring people together.”
Organizers said dozens of trophies will be awarded during the event and encouraged the public to attend and support the area’s automotive enthusiasts.
