Since 1957, Stan Hywet has been hosting the region’s best car show on Father’s Day. We take that tradition seriously, emphasizing stock, unmodified cars on the show field and embracing the families that have made the Father’s Day Car Show a multi-generational tradition. You may be concerned that things are changing for 2026, but we can assure you that the show will embrace its history, including the cars on the field and the people working behind the scenes. We believe there’s no reason to make drastic changes to something that already means so much to so many people.

The people working behind the scenes of the show have been involved for many years, starting with Show Coordinator Melanie Harwood, who has volunteered in that job for more than a decade. Melanie created the online, vehicle registration system we use and revamped our entry queue in 2014 to make sure no more antique cars would be stranded on the road, overheating, waiting to enter the show field. Beyond registration and communicating with participants, Melanie finds vehicles for the special feature, coordinates the youth judging program, recruits volunteers, oversees the tabulating of the judging results and awards, and more. Melanie works closely with the Stan Hywet personnel to make sure the show is the special family tradition it is meant to be. 

Matt Harwood has been attending the Father’s Day Car Show since he was five years old, part of a tradition that started with his own father. In the years since then, Matt has been a participant, a judge, a part of the vehicle selection committee for the Inner Circle, and for the past five years, the Head Judge. He’s returning to the Head Judge position in 2026, ensuring that the typically high standards of Stan Hywet judging continue and that an award won at the Father’s Day Car Show still means something. Judging at Stan Hywet embraces factory correctness and authenticity and the format will not change significantly for 2026. Two judging seminars for Stan Hywet judges have been scheduled for early 2026 to ensure that our judges continue to have the most up-to-date information. Getting it right really matters.

There are also dozens of other volunteers, including many of our awesome judges, who will be returning in 2026. They’re all experienced and have made the Stan Hywet tradition part of their Father’s Day for years. They know why this show is important and are committed to keeping the tradition alive.

So if you hear that the show will change or that it has moved or has different people running it, remember that the Stan Hywet Father’s Day Show is an important tradition to the people who make it happen. We understand how much it matters to you and will work hard to deliver the same outstanding experience you’ve enjoyed for years.

We look forward to seeing you all in 2026!