Industrial arts district on display

Between the booths offering tastes of locally-made wine and beer and family-oriented activities, many of the cornerstones of last year’s event will continue to be mainstays for this year’s event, said Garrett.

And with community groups like the local Boys and Girls Scouts chapters and the San Carlos Museum of History, among others, stepping in to help out with this year’s event, she’s hoping they can attract even more than the 2,500 visitors estimated to have attended last year’s event.

“We’re just really excited about showcasing our neighborhood and our community and bringing out the community from the neighboring cities,” she said.

In addition to support from community groups, Garrett said they’ve also seen an uptick in the number of businesses on the city’s east side become involved this year, whether it’s preparing to open the doors of their supply showrooms or pledging to set up booths where visitors can taste locally-made beverages and food.

Garrett and Toole incorporated the city’s Industrial Arts Business Association earlier this year in an effort to put a name to an existing collaboration between the diverse set of businesses in their neighborhood, which includes fitness centers, building and home supply companies, auto repair shops as well as wineries and breweries, among other types of ventures.

Though they received a great deal of interest in last year’s event, they are already seeing it pick up among business owners, families and car aficionados as they prepare for this year’s show and street fair. Vying for 26 awards in different categories ranging from best of show to best convertible, the enthusiasts behind the dozens of entries Toole has seen for this year’s event come from far and wide.

Ranging from a 2017 Chevrolet Corvette to older models dating back to the 1930s, this year’s entries promise to span a wide range of moments in car history and appeal to fans with deep-seated devotion as well as those who are new to cars.

“What the show brings out is anything that people are proud of and like to sit by and have people talk to them about it,” he said.

With food trucks, displays featuring mechanic and auto tools and plenty of kids activities, the event is geared toward families and children, said Toole, who added that the proceeds of the effort will go to the San Carlos Education Foundation.

Garrett and Toole said they encountered several people at last year’s event who had never been to the city’s east side and were surprised to learn of its diverse mix of businesses. They said they hope to draw even more visitors to this year’s event to continue to spread the word.

“I think just people kind of got the word this is just a really fun different and new event,” said Garrett. “It’s just not the same old car show.”

The second annual Industrial Arts Horsepower Car Show will be 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 8 at Washington Street between Old County and Industrial roads in San Carlos. Visit horsepowercarshow.com for more information.

anna@smdailyjournal.com

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