Classic Cars on Show

publication date: May 5, 2008

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author/source: Jonathan Copsey / STAFF

By Jonathan Copsey / STAFF

Top: Classic cars were just one of the categories at this year’s Centennial Car Show; Above: Ben Sharpton and daughter Nikki show off the family’s 1931 Chevy.

With a revving of engines and blaring of audio systems of all sorts, the 10th annual Centennial Car Show began at Centennial High School last Saturday.

Arranged around the parking lot, the many different cars and trucks were on display, hoods propped up, for all who were brave enough to face the elements on the rainy day.

“It’s kinda falling apart on me now,” lamented Centennial business teacher Sue Cowart, who supervises the show. “We’re so dependent of the weather.”

It was true. The turnout both of cars and attendees was low due to the rain and threat of storms later in the day, but that did not stop the diehard car fans from at least taking a quick look at the display cars. Add to the problems that the event was competing with another car show in Marietta as well as a basketball game and dance rehearsal being held at the high school.

“Parents keep trying to drop their kids off at the front doors,” laughed Cowart. “We have to tell them to leave.” 

The Car Show began 10 years ago as a means for an entrepreneur class to run a business. From there it grew and grew, with more and more cars being shown and businesses adding their own. All the major car dealerships supplied some show models, with Regal Nissan even providing a raffle stand. Proceeds for the show go toward sending business students to competitions and conferences, paying for travel, hotel and registration costs.    

“It’s a learning experience for the students because they find out what has to be done and, of course, what needs to be done last minute,” said Cowart. “Sometimes it’s hard for them because, even though it is a car show, they don’t really know how it works. I give them guidance but I try to let them do it and make their own decisions because it’s their project.”

A former student of Cowart’s, Alex Alhgrim, has been taking part in the car show for several years.

“[I keep coming back because of my] love of cars, the adrenaline rush you get when people start winning something,” he said. “When someone gets a trophy it’s just amazing. There are so many different cars out here and [the owners are] all getting along and doing what they like to do, showing their own cars. I think its fun.”

Two of the unique cars on show were those of Chet Holt and Ben Sharpton, both of Roswell. Holt’s car, a blue 1972 Oldsmobile convertible whose license plate read “Chetter,” said his car is not often in shows. In fact, it normally lives in his garage. Sharpton’s car, though, was getting a lot of attention. A 1931 Chevy, the car has been in his family since it was bought new by his grandmother. Like Holt’s, it is rarely shown in public.