There will be a new aspect to the Milwaukee Concours d'Elegance show this year, as youth aged 10 to 12 from the greater Milwaukee area will join the judging corps at the event on August 28 through the Hagerty Youth Judging program. The presenting sponsor of the Hagerty Youth Judging program at the event is John Splude of JWS Classics.
"We are excited to add this element to our event, now in its 12th year," said Gary Messing, president - The Masterpiece Ltd. "Hagerty's Youth Programs are designed to ensure the future of the classic car hobby by driving the passion for classics and providing young people unique access to classic-car-related experiences. We greatly appreciate Mr. Splude's and JWS Classic's support to make this program possible at our event."
The Youth Judging program will bring select members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee to the Concours d'Elegance for an opportunity to get up close to the world-class concours cars, meet the owners, and learn the basics of judging. The Young Judges will also learn historical features of select classics and be shown specific details about the vehicles that will help them score each one. Scores will be given on a scale of one-to-five in five basic categories: design, interior, electrical, paint, and engine compartment. The youth judges will also get to participate in the awards presentation ceremony.
"We are delighted to collaborate with our charitable partner - Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee," added Messing.
"We're pleased to expand our involvement with the Milwaukee Concours d'Elegance through this program and are confident we will have a tough time selecting the best essay," said Vincent Lyles, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. Lyles also noted that the young judges would be selected on behavior, availablity, overall Club participation, and interest.
In 2015, the Hagerty Youth Judging program was hosted at more than 70 classic car events and 30 wooden boat shows through the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Hagerty also hosted several other youth programs, including the Hagerty Driving Experience, which provides young drivers the opportunity to learn to drive manual transmission classic cars.
The 2016 Milwaukee Concours d'Elegance is set for August 28, 2016 in Veterans Park overlooking Lake Michigan.