Car Culture Celebration

Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: 2020/05 - May

Cuban food, exotic automobiles, and a celebrity car culture guest is the synergy for June’s Welcome Soirée, which is the 2020 Highlands Motoring Festival’s gala event. 

According to HMF Co-Chair Steve Ham, Bill Warner, founder of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, will speak at the Soiree. Warner, a lifelong racer, automotive photographer, and all around “gearhead” will share about the book Cuba’s Car Culture that he co-authored with Tom Cotter, host of Barnfind Hunter. Attendees of Welcome Soiree will be informed and regaled regarding the fascinating stories of how the automobile came to Cuba and how that country’s automotive culture has evolved since the Cuban Revolution of 1959.

The Welcome Soiree at Highlands Falls Country Club, June 11, from 6:30 to 9:30 P.M., serves to kick off the packed four-day Highlands Motoring Festival, which begins June 11 and ends June 14. Registrants will enjoy a taste of Cuba, with specialty heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages reflecting the island nation’s culinary flair. Plus, attendees will have the opportunity to preview exotic new sports cars provided by event sponsors. A fast-paced live auction completes the evening, but there will also be several silent auctions featuring items provided by local individuals, businesses, and other supporters of the Highlands Motoring Festival. While the Welcome Soiree promises to be a festive event for all who attend, a main goal is to raise money for Literacy Council of Highlands, REACH of Macon County, and Community Care Clinic. 

The four-day lineup starts with curated mountain driving tours and includes two superior car shows in Kelsey-Hutchinson Park, featuring unique and classic automobiles.  

Thursday June 11

“One Lap of the Mountains – Speciale,”  10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park

“One Lap of the Mountains – Classic,” 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park

“Welcome Soiree – An Evening of Cuba,” 6:00 P.M. to 9:30 P.M. at Highlands Falls Country Club

Friday June 12

“One Lap of the Mountains – Grande,” 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park

Parade on Main Street to Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park,  5:30 P.M., winding up ap at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park

Welcome Party, 5:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at the High Dive Tavern

Saturday June 13

Cars in the Park Classic Car Show,  10:00 A.M. to 3:45 P.M., Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park

Concert in the Park, 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park

Sunday June 14

High Octane on Main Car Show and Gathering, 8:30 to 11:00 A.M, Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park