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The third annual Cars on the Square not only drew large crowds to Athens this June, but also raised $5,400.
The event lasted all day June 5 and had approximately 150 vehicles on display.
Proceeds from the event will benefit both the Cahaba Shrine Center of Huntsville and the Limestone County Parks and Recreation Board. The car show committee selects which charity the money will be donated to every year.
“$3,000 will be donated to the Shriners Hospital and $2,400 will be donated to the city of Athens to purchase new trash receptacles to be placed downtown,” said Mignon Bowers of the Athens City Council.
She added the city could really use the receptacles especially with more and more events like Cars on the Square coming to the area.
“This event was our best car show yet,” Bowers said. “We look forward to an even bigger event next year.”
Derrick Young, a Cars on the Square volunteer, said that due to severe weather the event had to be rescheduled several times, causing the number of cars registered for the event to be a little lower. But, he added, everyone considered the event successful.
The entire Cars on the Square committee is made up of volunteers who put in countless hours to help make it a success.
Sponsors are also an integral part of the event’s prosperity. U.G. White General Mercantile and Jimmy Smith Pontiac Buick GMC were major sponsors this year along with Gray & Holt Dry Goods, Reliance Bank and Coldwell Banker On Site Realty.
Cars on the Square volunteer Bland Allen said Mayor Dan Williams and Commissioner David Seibert are also big supporters of Cars on the Square. He said they encourage others to take part in the event and continue to ensure the Square as a place for residents and visitors to converge.
“It’s a real plus for the city of Athens and the charities they support,” Bowers said. “It also presents the city to those who come downtown. It is a great community resource for Athens and Limestone County.”
Cars on the Square 2011 is scheduled for June 4.
