Columbus Cars and Coffee Season Finale:
The 40-degree morning temperatures didn’t stop several hundred cars and spectators from turning out for the final corporate Columbus Cars and Coffee meet of 2025. Held at the Heart of Ohio Classical Academy campus in Dublin, Ohio, the event featured a great mix of cars—from American classics to European exotics.
Porsches were out in force, rivaled by nearly as many BMWs. Hondas and Lexuses also had a strong showing, rounding out a diverse lineup that closed out the season with a classic split-window Corvette in attendance.
Here’s a look at some more standout cars from the final meet:
Miller's Swap Meet & Car Show:
One of the biggest final events of the Central Ohio car show season is the Fall Miller’s Swap Meet and Car Show. Held at the Ross County Fairgrounds in Chillicothe, Ohio, the November 1st event marked the 18th annual edition of this popular combination swap meet and car show. This year’s car show registered 173 vehicles.
Award plaques were presented to the Top 20 vehicles from model years 1987 and older and the Top 20 from 1988 and newer. In addition to these forty Top 20 awards, there were 15 Special Awards and two Best of Show honors — one for 1987 and below and the other for 1988 and above.
Here are the Special Award winners from this year’s Fall Miller’s Swap Meet and Car Show:
- BEST GM - Ron Barker
- BEST FORD - Bill & Julie Holt
- BEST MOPAR - Robert Chronister
- BEST TRUCK - Keith McClain
- MOST UNIQUE - Tim Miller
- BEST WAGON - Doug & Debby Sears
- BEST STREET ROD - Ed Young
- BEST LOW RIDER - Jeff Ward
- BEST DISPLAY - Scott Weldy
- BEST BIKE - Steve Elam
- BEST IMPORT - Dale Bethel
- BEST MUSTANG '74 & NEWER - Steve Shorten
- BEST MUSTANG '73 & OLDER - Terry Bach
- PROMOTERS CHOICE (NATE) - Steve Kidwell & Nancy
- PROMOTERS CHOICE (BRIAN) - Marvin Stulley
- BEST OF SHOW '87 & OLDER - Bob Kirst
- BEST OF SHOW '88 & NEWER - Bling Breezy
With the awards handed out and another successful show in the books, here’s a look at some of the other standout vehicles from the event, thanks to Jeff Shankle and Bubba Hettinger.
Creative Auto Group/Advance Auto Parts Car Show - Season Finale:
The weather on Friday didn’t do us any favors for the final Creative Auto Group / Advance Auto Parts Car Show in Marysville, Ohio. Late-morning and early-afternoon rain left the roads damp and the turnout light.
To top it off, a cranky Advance Auto Parts store manager ended a long-standing tradition by ordering the removal of the wheelbarrow fire pit — a fixture of the season finale for the past six years.
Even so, the six cars that showed up made the most of the evening and managed to raise $60 for the local food pantry.
The final award winners for the 2025 were Rex Dillon, Ron Griffith, and Marty Ruiz.
I was honored to receive the Creative Auto Group Cruiser of the Year award — having only missed the March show.
Even with wet roads and no fire pit, it’s hard to dampen the spirit of good friends and great cars.
American Legion Canteen Post #144 Veterans Day Car Show:
On Tuesday, November 11, the C-Town Cruisers hosted their annual Veterans Day Car Show at the American Legion Canteen Post #144 on South High Street in Columbus, Ohio. This show traditionally marks the end of the Central Ohio car show season for many enthusiasts.
With temperatures barely reaching the mid-30s by afternoon, only about 30 vehicles registered. As a result, much of the day was spent inside the American Legion.
Everyone who registered a car or truck got to choose one of 100 trophies offered as a token of appreciation for supporting the C-Town Cruisers this year. In addition to those trophies, awards were presented for the Top 30, along with a new Veterans Challenge Coin—meaning everyone who braved the cold had the opportunity to take home two trophies.
The American Legion provided a hearty bean and cornbread dinner to celebrate Veterans Day.
Beyond the Top 30 awards, Shaun "Big Dawg" Sanders also recognized the Club of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Cruiser and Co-Cruiser of the Year, and several honorable mentions.
- Honorable Mention - Keith Dooley Lewis
- Honorable Mention - Tracy & Gary Frazee
- Club of the Year - Hi-Way Starz
Jeffy Tolley & Dave O'Brien
- Rookie of the year - Jimmy Cooper
- Co-Cruiser of the Year - Gene Wright
- Cruiser of the Year - June & Rick Lawrence
It was a fitting and heartfelt conclusion to another great Central Ohio car show season, honoring both the camaraderie of the cruisers and the veterans who served our country.
Other Area Car Shows:
Rod Scott sent the following note regarding the Steels & Wheels Halloween Car Show held at the BrewDog DogTap in Canal Winchester, Ohio on November 1st:
“I thought I was done for the season a couple of weeks ago — got the oil changed on both vehicles, filled them up, and added ethanol shield. Then I saw your late post about the BrewDog show and realized I could watch the OSU game and attend a car show.
It turned out to be a beautiful day and a great game. I’m sorry I didn’t take any photos, but I’d guess there were around 61 vehicles since they didn’t announce attendance. They presented four ‘Show Choice’ trophies (all the same) and a Best Decorated award.”
With temperatures dropping and the holidays fast approaching, the Central Ohio car show season has officially crossed the finish line. This past two weeks brought a mix of season finales, special recognitions, and a few final chances for enthusiasts to gather before winter "officially" sets in.
As the dust (and road salt) settles on 2025, I’ll be posting a comprehensive recap of the 2025 Central Ohio car show season next week, highlighting standout events, key moments, and memorable rides from across the region. Stay tuned!
Special thanks to Jeff Shankle, Bubba Hettinger, Phil Spangler, Kevin Foust, Rod Scott, and Miller's Automotive for their photos and recaps from these last two weeks of the season.