52nd Southeastern Autorama ready to roll

By Kayla Carter
Staff Writer
[email protected]
The 52nd annual Southeastern Autorama is expected to host more than 100 cars over two days in Unicoi County at the high school track.
People travel across state lines to connect with each other and win prizes at the event, said Autorama organizer Charlie Ervin.
He said that this year the event – Friday, June 8 and Saturday, June 9 – is in memory of the late Raymond Bailey, who was an Autorama member for more than 35 years.
“‘Model A Ray’ truly enjoyed the fellowship of the car show and consistently promoted the show,” he said. “He served in many offices and is remembered for his kindness to all, his smile and his willingness to work at any task to continue the tradition of the local show.”
Autorama member Mike McIntosh, who owns Model A Macs in Unicoi, said there is an important aspect involved in his reasons for attending and helping out with the car show.
“I enjoy not only the car show, but the people,” he said. “Some of these people, you’ll only see them once a year. It’s kind of like a family reunion. People will come from many states. They’re just good friendly people.”
It was McIntosh’s father, Burnis E. McIntosh, who introduced him to vintage cars and motorcycles. He currently owns two vintage vehicles that he rebuilt from the basic frame up.
McIntosh said he believes cars and the interstate system are what built America.
“I guess I just like to bring the past to the present,” he said. “The automobile is really what helped develop America into what it is today as far as being one of the leaders in the world.”
McIntosh said that he enjoys the car show even though he cannot enter the contest officially. “I’m not able to show because I’m a member, but I always bring the cars to the show,” he said.
Another detail about this year’s event is the T-shirt design, he said. “It features the newly renovated Pinnacle Fire Tower in Unicoi,” Ervin said. “We always pick a landmark associated with Unicoi County to feature on the shirts.”
Awards will be given at the show. Registered participants may begin setting up cars on Thursday, June 7, at 4 p.m. through Saturday, June 9, at 10 a.m.
Entertainment will be provided by Makeshift Band on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Tim White and the VW Boys on Saturday at 7 p.m.