Concord Classic Car Show Concludes After 39 Years

After nearly four decades of chrome, nostalgia, and community spirit, the Kiwanis Club of Concord’s annual antique and classic car show has rolled to a permanent stop. The final edition took place on Sunday, March 30, 2025, drawing about 150 cars to the capital region—a bittersweet farewell to an event that began more than 40 years ago.

The show was once a midsummer highlight for car lovers across New Hampshire, often drawing 200 to 250 vehicles. But as interest in the event waned and the club’s own membership aged, organizers decided the time had come to park it for good.

“All good things must come to an end,” said Ken Georgevits, a longtime Kiwanis member. He noted that the club’s volunteer base had been shrinking, making the show’s logistics increasingly difficult to manage. Most supporters and participants were in their late 30s to early 70s, mirroring the demographics of the club itself.

Chris Pappas, another veteran member, recalled that the show ran for 39 consecutive years—not counting the two years of planning before the first event. “It’s been a good run,” he said.

The final show featured a mix of American classics: 1957 Chevrolets, 1965 Ford Mustangs, and even a rare 1932 Ford Roadster. Attendees included families who had come every year, retirees who restored cars in their garages, and a few nostalgic teenagers snapping photos. Many expressed sadness, but also gratitude for the decades of memories.

The end of the car show does not signal trouble for the Kiwanis Club of Concord itself. Georgevits emphasized that the decision was not based on financial pressure. “We’re financially stable,” he said. The club’s largest fundraiser, the Kiwanis Fair, continues to thrive. The car show was the second-biggest source of revenue.

Still, the loss of this event reflects a broader challenge facing volunteer organizations across the Granite State. According to local civic leaders, attracting new members has become harder as competing events like Coffee & Cars in downtown Concord and other car shows have multiplied. The club’s experience mirrors national trends: many service clubs report declining participation, especially among younger adults.

The Kiwanis Club of Concord remains a nonpartisan, nondenominational group focused on building better communities, with children as priority one. Their mission has remained unchanged for more than 100 years. Now, with the car show retired, the club is exploring new ways to engage the community—possibly smaller, less labor-intensive events.

For the car enthusiasts who attended the final show, the event was more than just a display of polished metal. It was a gathering of friends, a celebration of craftsmanship, and a reminder that tradition can’t be taken for granted. Many left with one last trophy or dash plaque, and a promise to keep the memories alive at other local shows.

As the sun set over Concord on March 30, the last engine roared and then fell silent. The Kiwanis Club’s classic car show had officially entered history.