Automobilia and city of Wichita reach agreement for this year’s show

The risk of the Automobilia Moonlight Charity CarShow not happening this year is over.

The city of Wichita and car show organizer Joshua Blick have reached an agreement over parameters for the event, and the city has issued a permit for the event from 4 p.m. to midnight on July 8 as planned.

“It was great to come together,” Blick said. “We were able to work out some of the concerns. I think we came to a really good plan.”

The show will keep the same footprint it had last year, although the Douglas and Washington intersection won’t close until 5 p.m. instead of the original plan of 1 p.m.

“They wanted it left open a little bit longer for the daytime business down there,” Blick said.

He said that means a parade of classic cars won’t start until 5 p.m. instead of the planned 4 p.m.

“The City is excited to continue the Automobilia tradition in a way that accommodates Automobilia’s event requirements while acknowledging the needs of downtown’s growing business community,” said an e-mailed release from the city.

There had been a number of complaints from businesses in the Old Town area in recent years.

“The most significant issues involved access and parking for existing businesses, along with food trucks in close proximity to existing Old Town restaurants,” the city said. “With this permit agreement, Automobilia’s footprint will run along Douglas Avenue between Emporia Street and Hydraulic Street. An updated map detailing the changes will be posted online and distributed to all businesses on the closed streets.”

Other details of the agreement stipulate that to help with access and parking for businesses, Automobilia has to provide free signs and barricades.

There will be free parking in the Cargill parking garage, but Automobilia can’t use Intrust Bank Arena parking lot D.

Automobilia can’t use the parking lot at Douglas and Rock Island, but Public at the Brickyard can, and access will be maintained for the Kitchen restaurant.

Food trucks aren’t allowed near restaurants without approval from bar and restaurant owners.

The car show can’t use Naftzger Park.

Finally, alcoholic drinks must stay in designated beer gardens only.

The city, Automobilia and the Old Town Association are going to meet again in August to review how the show worked this year and discuss what will happen in future years.

Blick said he’s happy for this year’s plans.

“We’re just excited for another great year for Automobilia and to be able to have a community event that’s free,” he said.

“That’s what matters is continuing this tradition for Wichita.”

This story was originally published June 23, 2023 at 12:14 PM.