The 11th Annual Wheels on Academy Car Show is coming up Saturday, May 18th, in Downtown Cary! To get ready for the event, we got the chance to speak with Maddie Lamkins, the Program Specialist for Cary’s Festivals and Events team and the Event Coordinator for Wheels on Academy.
Can you tell us a little about your role in organizing Wheels on Academy?
This is my first year as the coordinator for this event, but I’ve been a part of the day-of team of Wheels for the last two years. While I’m not a car aficionado myself, this is an event that I really enjoy and I’m fortunate to have a network of community members with car show experience who are happy to lend their expertise in that aspect of the event!
This is the 11th year of the festival, how has it changed over the years?
The core of Wheels has been very consistent over the years. One bigger change this year is the location. Wheels on Academy is still on Academy St, but we’re moving to the north end around Town Hall campus. I think there are some great benefits to this location – like easy visitor access via GoCary with all routes stopping right outside of the event at the depot!
What can attendees expect in terms of entertainment, activities, and vendors at Wheels on Academy?
The heart of Wheels on Academy is the car show. We take all makes, models, conditions, and eras of cars, so you often see quite an eclectic bunch! Beyond the car show we are excited for our new Explore-an-EV area where people can learn about the many environmental benefits of electric vehicles and how Cary is incorporating them into our own fleet – and of course a huge family draw of the event, Touch-a-Truck. We have some new vehicles making appearances at Touch-a-Truck this year that I think will be a lot of fun.
For tasty bites at the event, we have Death by Taco and Ultimate Eggrolls on site.
On the entertainment side we have the Highway Ramblers performing onstage from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. When I became the coordinator for this event, I knew that one thing I wanted to make happen was a classic rock band. Classic rock and cool cars – I’m really looking forward to seeing it!
What is your favorite part of the event?
My favorite part of Wheels is the car show. Even as someone who is not a car expert, I really enjoy walking through and seeing all the different vehicles. The last couple years I’ve found something I had never seen before, and there are always cars that just call to you. There’s also a lot of joy and community in the car show. The people participating in the show and the visitors connect over the cars – maybe they learn something, maybe they’re inspired by a car, I’d say always they’re able to enjoy chatting with other people who enjoy chatting about cars. Bringing people together is always a highlight as an event coordinator.
Finally, is there anything else you would like to add?
If I can, I’d love to shout out the opportunity for a whole day of fun in Downtown Cary on May 18! The Cary Farmers Market will be happening on East Park St in the morning, Wheels on Academy will be happening at Town Hall Campus midday, and CaryLive! will be happening at the Downtown Cary Park in the evening. If you’ll be visiting, consider making a day of it!
Wheels on Academy will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 18th. To learn more about the event, visit carync.gov/wheels!