Why I think these images of the Clintonville car show capture everything you need to know about this small town event

It’s a top car show for me every year. It’s not because it has the best cars or because it’s a short drive from my house. I make a point of going every year because of the ambiance of this single stretch of rural-midwest main-street America. I like what it represents about life and the feeling it captures on these longer warm evenings before the official start of summer. Here’s a few photos to give you a glimpse into the true spirit of this modest event and what makes the Clintonville Car Show so special to me.

Small town businesses

This is one of those shots that is really a mood. It’s the end of the night, the folks have gathered for the trophy presentation and as we sneak past them to head home I turn to see my favorite little coffee shop all lit up. The picket fence is a charming reminder of where you are: a simple community. One where the storefronts still resemble an era when these cars were in their prime. It is a suspension of time for a minute. An appreciation to all the business owners that still continue on.

Charming old buildings

Speaking of downtown storefronts, Studio 22 has to be about my favorite. The steel cornice, detailed red brick work and large arch top windows make this a stand out among the other modest buildings. But what is perfect in this scene is the rat rod that lined up in front of it. I wish I could have a shot with just that truck in front of the building for the repetition of colors alone. The weathered red of the cab matches the brick, the oxidized grey metal matches the placid color of the upper glass, the wood sign and the cornice. The patched in rear fender is picking up on the shades in the stripes of the fabric awning. I always appreciate this truck when I see it- it has so much patina, texture and ideas put into it. It alone make you feels like you are looking at artwork.

Everyone is welcome

Everyone is welcome at this event. While some purists might want to compete with only the top quality restorations, a little evening venue like this takes it all in. This car is a cougar. The hood ornament gives a nod to the obvious wear and tear this car has seen. But it can hang out here. Be a part of the show. I like the message that sends.

And my final image- what message does it send?

This is it. This is the Clintonville Car Show in a nutshell. It’s a place where a shiny new car will be welcome and admired but a classic tractor also feels right at home sitting among the show cars. This is how you know you are surrounded not just by a farming community, but by folks who take pride in what they do.

I’m sure there are many people in our world that will never experience life in a small rural town. I am sure there are many people who would never want to. But for me, towns like these are the antitheses of those classic rock songs written about falling in love in the summer time, or cruising their cars on a hot summer night or just “growing up in the heartland, doing the best that they can.” There is something about the way the main street in Clintonville seems to fade from view as dusk approaches, gently lit by the church towers and store fronts of old brick buildings while a mini carnival buzzes with a ferris wheel and tilt-a-whirl next to the town baseball diamond. It could be a scene straight out of a favorite movie, but for me, it’s just the perfect way to kick off the summer.