Free Car Shows Roll into Katy, Loaded with Priceless Memories

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

April 16, 2021

By Jennifer Miko

Car enthusiasts don’t have to travel far to show off their special cars or trucks. Local car clubs cater to all vehicles, ready to impress fans to afficionados. Scroll down for a guide to the free car shows rolling into Katy this month. Remember, every car has a story.

Bart Adams and his daughter Emily on a sentimental journey

Car shows fill the events calendars in the Houston area, at least until May, while the temperatures are still bearable.

In Texas, some car and truck shows can host over 2,000 vehicles. Crowd favorites include vehicles that have been featured in national magazines and cost $200-$300K. Bart Adams of Katy says all versions of the Chevy C10 draws crowds at the truck shows, while the C8 Corvette is the hot car at the moment.

“Anytime an exotic car like a Lamborghini or Ferrari are present, people love them,” says Bart Adams. “But overall, any car or truck that is well done and stands out from the crowd is always a favorite.”

From Hot Wheels to Hot Rods

Bart has been attending car shows all of his life. He enjoys seeing the craftsmanship that people put into the cars and follows the different trends that develop over the years.

“My love of cars started from childhood,” says Bart, who now works in construction. “I naturally gravitated to Hot Wheels, model cars, and Legos.”

In 2009, Bart bought his first car to restore – a red 1971 Chevy Chevelle Convertible. He paid $5000 for it. The Chevelle had been sold five times by the time Bart bought it, but the title was in the name of the original owners from 1972. He was able to reach out to them to get the title transferred, and they have been friends ever since. Bart hopes to drive the Chevelle up to visit them in Indiana so they can see it in person.

For five years, Bart worked with his father-in-law Bill Lawton to restore the Chevelle. Bill had retired from Mac Haik Enterprises, but wanted to keep busy. He drove regular school bus routes for Katy ISD, and later became a Special Education bus driver. In 2011, he was elected as a Katy City Councilmember and served until he passed away in 2015.

Bill Lawton (left), with Bart Adams

Cruising Down Memory Lane

Bart's wife Marisa has fond memories of her dad and husband collaborating on the restoration project.

"I absolutely loved watching Bart and my Dad work together on the Chevelle," says Marisa Adams. "It was a wonderful way for them to spend time together and I always enjoyed walking in to hear them working through problems and laughing together."

“It is a great tribute to our time together,” says Bart. “The Chevelle is and will always be a part of the family.”

Marisa says she loves seeing Bart drive the Chevelle in parades, and it always brings a smile to her face.

"The Chevelle has a special place in both my and Bart's heart because it was the first restoration car we purchased and he rebuilt," says Marisa, "but with the added memories of it being the first project he worked on with Dad, it's like we always carry a piece of him when we're in it."

Restoration Not Just a Pipe Dream

Bart thinks car shows have gained popularity from the car shows on TV and social media.

“Because of this, the tools and technology for the average person to restore a vehicle have become more accessible and more affordable,” says Bart.

Over the years, Bart has restored a 1986 Chevy C10 Stepside and a 1983 Chevy K30 Crew Cab, and thinks anyone with a mind to do it can restore a car. To get started, Bart suggests just asking someone about their car.

“If there is anything a car guy likes to talk about, it is their hot rod,” says Bart.

Car Fans Merge into Subcultures

Within the car community, there are subcultures within subcultures. There are concourse restorations, restomods, hot rods, race cars, rat rods, trucks, jacked up 4-wheel drives, low riders, and driver quality cars that people just want to have fun with.

Plus, the car community loves to support a benefit. Bart says car guys love to show off their cars, but they love to help people as well. Car fans can see Bart’s restored Chevelle and a truck he’s currently working on at the Katy High School Car Show on Saturday, April 24 (more details below).

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Guide to Katy Car Shows in April

Saturday, April 17

8 – 11 a.m.

Tailpipes and Tacos

Lupe Tortilla

703 W. Grand Parkway South

Admission: Free

Come out to the Lupe Tortilla parking lot for cars, tacos, coffee and prizes! Bring the Hot Rod or whatever you like to cruise in!

For more information, click here.

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Saturday, April 17

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The Social Pub & Grill Car Show

1721 Spring Green Blvd.

Admission: Free

The Bayou City Cup Series VII stops in Katy this Saturday. Participants can register from 9 a.m. – noon. There will be 35 awards presented at 3 p.m. for multiple “Best” categories.

For more information, email karshowkerry@yahoo.com or call 832-373-9202

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Saturday, April 17

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

4th Annual Cane Island Classic Car Show

2100 Cane Island Parkway

Admission: Free

The event features the best in vintage, classic, and exotic cars, with winners receiving $1,000 cash prizes and trophies. Visitors also can cast their votes for Most Unique, Best Classic, Best Exotic and Best Overall cars. Guests can also enjoy live music, food trucks, and children’s activities.

For more information, click here or call 281-725-6555.

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Saturday, April 24

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Car Show at Katy High School

6331 Highway Blvd.

Admission: Free

The front parking lot of Katy High School will be packed with rows of spectacular cars and trucks. Car enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy seeing vintage hot rods to the latest models up close!

Proceeds benefit Katy High School Theatre.

For more information, contact Eric Sarlls at Esarlls40@gmail.com.

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Wednesday, April 21 and 28

5 – 8 p.m.

Weekly Car Cruise

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

1075 Fry Rd.

Admission: Free

The Weekly Car Cruise at Freddy’s invites car fans to “Drive’em on out” each Wednesday Night. Stop by for music, discounts, awesome rides and great folks.

For more information click here.

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