RIDE-CT – Classic Cars Celebrating Classic Cars in Connecticut
BETHLEHEM, CT – Promotional flyers posted on a social media in advance of Sunday’s well-attended Trunk Or Treat Car Show at March Farm, including on the farm’s Facebook page, were clear. They stated that the event had a “$10 entry fee” for show vehicles with “spectators free.”
The popular show, staged annually in a hilltop orchard, is always a well-run event known for colorful cars, loads of costumed kids, and delicious grilled cheese and apple sandwiches. Except spectators seemingly got hoodwinked this year.
When RIDE-CT rolled in, there was a person just inside the unpaved entrance road – far away from the actual show ground – ambushing those not driving show vehicles with an unannounced $5 charge.
RIDE-CT was certainly surprised by the request, and dodged it by explaining the purpose in being there was to provide news coverage. But I immediately wondered how many visitors forked over fivers? And were they ticked off by being asked to do so believing that getting to gaze at decorated cars and take their kids trunk or treating wouldn’t cost a cent?
Trunk Or Treat Car Show co-organizer Alex Adams was likewise surprised by what was apparently a unilateral surcharge implemented by March Farm. When asked, he told RIDE-CT that he was unaware of the rude move by March Farm until spectators informed him.
It was a bad move by the property owner, especially because proceeds from the show go to the Ben March Scholarship. The scholarships are awarded in memory of a March Farm family member who died in a farm accident in October 2019.
Whatever the reason behind March Farm’s decision to bilk show-goers, the money grab was a bad call. It reflected badly on the show (false advertising?) and its organizers (even though they were caught unaware), but especially on March Farm itself for appearing greedy. The reason is unimportant. The gripe is still valid even if five bucks ain’t much.
It was a trick, not a treat.
