03/15/2026
From James Cirillo, the president of Flag City Mustang Club, regarding the car show yesterday @ Bass Pro Shops:
I am extremely grateful for all who participated in an absolutely fantastic blowout of a car show! Every vehicle was worthy of a prize and you should be proud of your ride! I had to make an ugly but firm decision and I want to address it. As our 1st show at BPS approached, I prayed for 50-75 entries, dreamed of 100, prepared for up to 120, and knew 150 was my max. BPS’ management allowed me to take half their parking lot and we filled every inch. Before 11:00a, at 151 entries (a wicked Austin Healy squeezed in by the jons!), I had to stop allowing entries. Many disagreed with my actions and that was ok. I knew that even one more and I would risk EMTs being unable to tend to people, especially deep in the crowd. Imagine your grandma, your baby or even yourself falling victim to heatstroke and first responders being blocked out. I needed to leave space for safety reasons. I turned away at least 25 sweet rides - a loss of $500+. Who does that? Who would tell folks who drove from ATL, good people in the IC3 club, and several other friends that they cannot participate? Who? Someone who would not risk lives for money. Someone who values every breath we take. ME! You had circumstances out of your control: accidents and delays on I-75. I understood that, and even apologized immensely. Why is it any different to accept the same happened to me?? I am not sorry that I had to stop entries - we never imagined 150+ vehicles. I am sorry that things did not go well for you and we had no more space. Our car show in 2025 had 28 entrants! We planned well, considering! I hope BPS will allow us to take ALL of their parking lot in 2027! Please place yourself in my shoes and try to understand that a $25 entry fee is NOT worth a life. I did what I was compelled to do. I pray for the same blessing in 2027, and to turn away ZERO people!