Over the next few days, you will see the classics start to roll in.
Cars so unique and so well kept that they have been invited to participate in the 2023 Highlands Motoring Festival will be easy to spot.
What started as an idea between a few automotive enthusiasts has grown into one of, if not the premiere, car-focused event in the region.
The festival’s four-day run will begin on Thursday, June 8, with a “Happy Hour with Brian Redman” at Art Highlands. Redman, for those who may be unfamiliar, is a racing legend. Redman has raced in the world’s top series – including Formula One, and has worked with automotive giants such a Carl Haas, and competed against the likes of Mario Andretti and Al Unser.
Friday will feature driving tours of the mountains followed by the “Main Street Car Parade” at 5:30 p.m.
The coup de gras of the event is Saturday when the public will get a chance to see all of the cars and meet many of their owners during the “Cars in the Park” showcase from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.
If you have never had the opportunity to make it to the show, this would be a great year to start the tradition. The featured marque for 2023 is BMW, and the show will feature several one-of-a-kind vehicles.
The Car in the Park showcase is free to the public, but donations to the charities the Motoring Festival supports are encouraged. All proceeds of the various festival events go to the festival’s charity partners, the Literacy and Learning Center, REACH of Macon County, and the Community Care Clinic of Highlands and Cashiers.
The Motoring Festival wraps up on Sunday with the “High Octane” gathering at Founders Park.
Whether you drive a 1965 Corvette, or a 2023 Honda Civic, the Highlands Motoring Festival is a great way to connect with our inherent love of automotive innovation and a great way to support three deserving local nonprofit organizations.
Rev your engines, and come out to enjoy the festivities.