Old Car Festival

Topics Last Day Last Week Tree View    Getting Started Formatting Troubleshooting Program Credits    New Messages Keyword Search Contact Moderators Edit Profile Administration
Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2017: Old Car Festival
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Willis Jenkins on Friday, June 23, 2017 - 04:26 pm:

Did anyone else get the recent email from THF about taking back some of the changes?!

Making the application fee refundable and giving 4 passes.

Willis


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Keith Gumbinger, Kenosha, WI on Friday, June 23, 2017 - 04:35 pm:

No, I didn't get an email from them.

Anyway, what good would it do if there's no place to park my tow vehicle and trailer that I haul my brass T Touring car in?

Keith


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Willis Jenkins on Friday, June 23, 2017 - 04:42 pm:

I'm sure those of you that have participated before will be getting the email too.
It says that those steps were being changed immediately and in the coming weeks & months will be working on "next steps", whatever that means?

Willis


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Wightman on Friday, June 23, 2017 - 04:44 pm:

Thank you Keith... I'm willing to haul my '12 there from Florida for the show with my motorhome and they say it's not allowed.... Can't complete the registration past that one!! Get a GRIP Management............


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hal Davis-SE Georgia on Friday, June 23, 2017 - 04:58 pm:

I've never gone, so it really doesn't apply to me, but being the vindictive, vengeful SOB that I am, I'd tell 'em where to stuff it. Let 'em suffer. At least THIS time and maybe from now on.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Aaron Rogahn - Davisburg, MI on Friday, June 23, 2017 - 05:40 pm:

Guess the outcome of MM was bad enough (and assuming low OCF registration numbers to date) to have John Neilson lighten up a bit even after sending mtfca the " I don't care what you think" letter that has been posted here a while back.

I'm still not going to apply. I'm done.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jack Putnam, Bluffton, Ohio on Friday, June 23, 2017 - 06:03 pm:

Here is a copy of the HFM letter. I am still not going.

Dear Car Show Participant,

This year, The Henry Ford implemented changes to our long-running, very popular, mission-driven car shows, Motor Muster and Old Car Festival. Over the years, these programs have grown significantly in terms of participation. Most recently, we’ve had as many as 900 vehicles for each event. However, that unbridled growth posed an increasing safety hazard for participants, visitors and staff, and completely overwhelmed our available parking, staff and other resources necessary to support these events. We needed to right-size these events to address these realities while preserving and strengthening the quality of the visitor and participant experience. To do so, we introduced a number of new practices and procedures that we believed would assist in those efforts.

The changes we introduced this year, unfortunately, disappointed many. While we were and remain committed to evolving our car shows to be successful within the practical constraints and concerns identified above, we could have done a much better job of communicating and explaining the need for these changes. That miscalculation on our part had a negative impact on our participants and guests, and for that, we are truly sorry.

We’ve received candid feedback from many of you, and we thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. One immediate step we are taking is to make the application fee refundable and to offer each participant up to four guest passes, at their request. We will be working in the coming days, weeks and months on next steps, and we will be corresponding with each and every one of you in the very near future.

Your support and your involvement with The Henry Ford is vital to our continued success. I hope you will continue to stand with us as we work to rebuild these events.


John Neilson

Vice President of Venues
The Henry Ford


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marty Bufalini - Grosse Pointe, MI on Friday, June 23, 2017 - 06:29 pm:

Willis, I think the "next steps" will come out of the meeting I talked about in the other thread I started.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Wells, Hamilton Ontario on Friday, June 23, 2017 - 06:55 pm:

Sounds like a sincere apology and realization of the harm done. I would be willing to go back. Of course something needs to be done about parking.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Don Watson -Florence,Colorado on Friday, June 23, 2017 - 07:00 pm:

I am so sick and tired about hearing about the Old Car Festival
Makes one want to purchase a chev!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Scott Conger on Friday, June 23, 2017 - 07:12 pm:

Don

why on EARTH did you click on the link if you're sick of hearing about it?

There are so many other topics to chose from...


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kenneth W DeLong on Friday, June 23, 2017 - 08:01 pm:

Don,Off and on for many years i parked along side a 1914 chevy which was a very nice car! There was so much tire trouble in the old days many better cars had a built in air compressor even a chevy! Bud.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Michael Trzcinski on Friday, June 23, 2017 - 09:07 pm:

We received the email but we did not register this year so even if they do make changes, not sure if its too late for us this year. We will be willing to work with them if their offer is more reasonable.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tim Rogers - South of the Adirondacks on Friday, June 23, 2017 - 09:13 pm:

I would chalk this up as a win. It's quite apparent that your voices have been heard. Hopefully it's not too late for everyone involved to have a successful event.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gilbert V. I. Fitzhugh on Friday, June 23, 2017 - 11:00 pm:

I had intended to go to the Lansing-Dearborn and OCF this year, but changed my plans when I saw THF's new attitude. It's too late for me this year, but I'll keep an open mind for next year. We should all keep in mind that people make mistakes, but that smart people can learn from their mistakes.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Burger in Spokane on Saturday, June 24, 2017 - 12:32 am:

All I read is a parroting of the message/s sent to THF assclowns.
There is no acknowledgement of their arrogance or and apology
for the replies/statements subsequently made by them. THAT is
when I know they have integrity and will stand by their word. This
is just a CYA maneuver to unf&ck a mess they made without really
making amends. Until such time, I am of the opinion that heads need
to roll and get a genuine old car interest motivated management in
there.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hal Davis-SE Georgia on Saturday, June 24, 2017 - 07:31 am:

"Voices have been heard"......

"Sincere apology"......

The voices were heard when the letters were sent. If the apology was sincere, it would have come at that time. Instead, it came after the whole thing blew up in their face. The only thing they are sorry for is the failure of the MM and impending failure of the OCF. No different than a child or a criminal or a politician being sorry only after they got caught. They made their bed.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Richard E Moore Jr. Pickwick lake Tenn. on Saturday, June 24, 2017 - 08:19 am:

I'm still going. It was a great event and changes are hard. They are trying to fix it. It's still the best vintage car show I've been to.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen - Eastern Nebraska on Saturday, June 24, 2017 - 08:25 am:

Like many opinions expressed above, I have mixed emotions (go again or not). Fortunately for me, the Glidden Tour is in Nebraska in mid September, and that will suffice for my early fall old car fix. That will take me to Hershey....

Often, change must begin at the top. Maybe new leadership is needed before we really see, or believe THF has made a sincere change?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Willis Jenkins on Saturday, June 24, 2017 - 08:42 am:

Hal,

Well said!

Willis


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wes Nelson ........Bucyrus, MO on Saturday, June 24, 2017 - 08:45 am:

The Henry Ford, "parking motorhomes and trailers" problem, they couldn't put them on the proving grounds for a special weekend?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David L Corman on Saturday, June 24, 2017 - 10:13 am:

Guys, I think we are trying to beat a dead horse !!! Many of you have tried to bring a little common sense to those in charge of the OCF and HF with no good results. They really don't want us. How about a more friendly venue---like Richmond, IN that town really welcomes us---remember the Centennial Celebration ??


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Chadwick Azevedo on Saturday, June 24, 2017 - 02:18 pm:

Bump to get rid of the spam


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Scott Rosenthal in Cincinnati Oh on Saturday, June 24, 2017 - 07:35 pm:

Real game changer here...lol! I will not poopoo attending this again someday, but not likely while this regime remains in place. I'm not critisizing folks who support this, but I will bet you find the event a bit desolate for the foreseeable future. Let's keep working those alternate venues involving reliable suitors who genuinely appreciate the time and expense that these good car guys undertake.
Regards,
Scott


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Richard E Moore Jr. Pickwick lake Tenn. on Saturday, June 24, 2017 - 07:37 pm:

I think they don't want us is a little much. Itseems that if you can't have it your way all the way all the screaming and ranting isn't going to change a thing. Put on your big boy pants and go somewhere else. I've had company's that changed to corporations and employees cried and cried. When the dust settled all was fine. I suppose a little change is better than no OCF at all. This isn't pointed at anyone special it's just my two cents worth. Go or don't go?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jack Putnam, Bluffton, Ohio on Saturday, June 24, 2017 - 10:04 pm:

I venture it was the sound of silence at the MM that got the attention of those in charge at THF. That deafening silence came from the cash register--the lack of money falling into the register! If you look at posted pictures you don't see a lot of visitors. It is $$$$ that speak the loudest and it is $$$$ that got their attention, not the emails, the letters or the whining. I sense there is concern of a repeat at the OCF.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Keith Gumbinger, Kenosha, WI on Saturday, June 24, 2017 - 10:34 pm:

Jack is right, it took the huge lack of attendance at the MM that got their attention. It might be too late now to get this years' OCF on track like it should be. We've already made other plans for that weekend and can't change them now.

Keith


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Michael Trzcinski on Sunday, June 25, 2017 - 03:29 am:

I agree Jack,only reason they changed thier attitude is it hit them where it hurts! In their pocket book lol. But I hope they realize their mistakes and learn from it and hopefully they can make everyone happy again, even the spectators. I heard many of them were extremely disappointed with the number of cars on display at the MM.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Scott Rosenthal in Cincinnati Oh on Sunday, June 25, 2017 - 08:32 am:

Richard E Moore Jr. When were you an OCF exhibitor, and what vehicle (s) did you display there please?
Regards,
Scott


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By G.R.Cheshire on Sunday, June 25, 2017 - 09:08 am:

I have never been,but I wonder if some of the surrounding businesses are putting any pressure on THF? I know they lost a lot of money on the MM too and if it was one of those events that help them stay in the black each year they are not happy! I would bet my best dog that if the local business owners who were hurt by this fiasco were to pay a visit to THF workable solutions could be made available.
JMHO


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Scott Rosenthal in Cincinnati Oh on Sunday, June 25, 2017 - 09:56 am:

Richard Moore Jr. My point is that the frank comments you feel entitled to scold, are coming from people who have actually been OCF exhibitors and who are affected, where I get the sound impression that you are neither. A good way to avoid soiling your big girl panties in the future may be to limit your snarky comments to subjects you know something about. Have a nice day Dick.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ed Baudoux Grayling Michigan on Sunday, June 25, 2017 - 11:19 am:

Richard has been to the OCF, with his very nice '11 Open Runabout, and is about the most level headed person you'll ever meet.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gary Schreiber- Santa Isabel Ecuador on Sunday, June 25, 2017 - 11:42 am:

Sorry Scott Rosenthal, your last comment, especially your last word was totally uncalled for.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Jablonski on Sunday, June 25, 2017 - 11:51 am:

Sorry Scott but I agree with Gary and you should pull up your big-boy pants and apologize to Richard. Seems like you're being a dick.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Scott Rosenthal in Cincinnati Oh on Sunday, June 25, 2017 - 12:32 pm:

My apology Richard, I should not have addressed you as Dick.

Your comparison to the "companys that you've had" has nothing remotely to do with this matter, not sure why you thought this analogy was either helpful or appropriate. Evident is that significant numbers have "gone somewhere else", where regardless of kisses and make-up, this relationship is already over for a measurable number of loyal supporters...I don't think belittling them here improves this. Good for the OCF that they can count on you and others who think like you, and I do not mean this sarcastically.
Regards,
Scott


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Willis Jenkins on Monday, June 26, 2017 - 09:10 am:

This is obviously a very touchy subject to a lot of people!

For me & my family we are not sure we even want to bring any of our cars anymore. All of these goofy rules has me re-imagining the event for us. THF has shown that they don't care what cost I, as a participant, has to go through! We don't have a place to store a trailer so, I have to rent a U-Haul flatbed trailer. With the big expense of renting that for 4 days, I have to worry about the weather to and from and also, putting our old vehicle at risk for highway damage. In the 2014 festival, during the drive there the semi truck passing us blew a tire that shredded apart right next to us! Thankfully, it was on the left of the truck or it, for sure, would have hit our car! Then, Friday night was the severe storm. Our hotel was kind enough to allow us to park our tow vehicle, trailer & old car under the front canopy for the night! After that OCF I had seriously considered just going as a spectator. So, for us, if this is how THF wants to treat us, I think we should just be spectators. It will cut our costs almost in half even with paying to get in!
I am just sharing our experiences here.

Willis


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kenneth W DeLong on Monday, June 26, 2017 - 10:36 am:

That was some storm!! Our old F-250 failed to start at the village and when the storm hit we were stranded! The people at security jumped in and saved our bacon with a ride through the storm! Once many years ago our grandson got a cinder in his eye during a train ride and Village security had him fixed up in a flash!!I admit last year parking was hap hazard at best,but the rest of the OCF was great!! After this years MM we may see changes?? Bud.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kenneth W DeLong on Monday, June 26, 2017 - 10:38 am:

That was some storm!! Our old F-250 failed to start at the village and when the storm hit we were stranded! The people at security jumped in and saved our bacon with a ride through the storm! Once many years ago our grandson got a cinder in his eye during a train ride and Village security had him fixed up in a flash!!I admit last year parking was hap hazard at best,but the rest of the OCF was great!! After this years MM we may see more changes?? Bud.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Jablonski on Monday, June 26, 2017 - 11:10 am:

My Mrs. & I considered going to the Henry Ford last week..... but my thoughts changed and we spent two days in Richmond, Indiana and environs and enjoying the MTFCA Museum and the people and history in the area....and spent time with friends in Mainevile, Ohio for the rest of our time.

Bob Jablonski


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Keith Gumbinger, Kenosha, WI on Monday, June 26, 2017 - 12:15 pm:

I remember that storm on Friday Evening in 2014 very well. That was one hell of a storm!!! We don't ever want to have an open or closed Model T or other 90 or 100 year old car be in a storm like that on an open trailer, so we bit the bullet and bought a closed trailer. Yes, it's a big thing to lug around, but well worth it.

Some day we hope to see you all again at the OCF.

Keith


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John G Smith on Monday, June 26, 2017 - 12:56 pm:

I am very pleased that management listened to the concerns expressed and made some important changes. While my wife and I will not be able to attend the OCF this year due to other travel plans, we certainly look forward to participating in the future. We've attended off and on since the early seventies, and have found that it has improved greatly over the years. (There used to be way too many rules and limitations.) I think it's become one of the best antique car shows in the world, and I am glad to see it continuing.


Add a Message


This is a private posting area. Only registered users and moderators may post messages here.
Username:  
Password:

Topics Last Day Last Week Tree View    Getting Started Formatting Troubleshooting Program Credits    New Messages Keyword Search Contact Moderators Edit Profile Administration