Bayley's 24th Annual “Dom Santoro” Car and Truck Show

When our kids were younger, we often camped at Bayley’s Camping Resort. It is a huge campground about 1/2 mile from the ocean with tons of campsites and lots of activities that was close to home and fun for a quick getaway.

When I saw that they were hosting a Father’s Day Car Show and had added EV categories this year, I decided it would be a fun way to show off my Polestar 2 EV and perhaps also answer EV questions that people often have. Plus, I’d also have a shot at winning a trophy in the newly added EV Sedan category, which would be voted on by people attending the show.

The weather was looking iffy all week and I wasn’t sure I’d actually go, but the expected rain ended early so I decided to head over. The weather was not great as it was still cool with some ocean mist blowing in from time to time, but it was dry for the most part.

I got there about 9:45am and most of the vehicles had already arrived and were setting up. I ended up parking next to a couple old 1940s vehicles, including a really cool 1949 Ford F50. I think being next to some of the oldest cars there helped my Polestar stand out!

My Polestar 2 next to a 1949 Ford F50.

A row of show cars.

From about 10am to 2pm there was a steady stream of campers coming by to check out the cars. I made a quick “info sheet” (that my wife laminated for me) to display on the windshield and hype the main features of the Polestar 2, especially its power. With its 408hp and 4.5s 0-60mph time, I think the Polestar 2 certainly would have been able to keep up with some of the muscle cars that were there such as a Ford Mustang Bullitt and some late-model Dodge Charger. Certainly, everyone was surprised at the its power and speed.

There were about 25 to 30 cars there altogether. Sadly, I didn’t get to spend much time checking out all the other cars, but there were definitely some iconic ones such as a 1970s Chevy Nova, a Pontiac Firebird, Ford Shelby GT500 and more.

The reason I didn’t get to look around much was because I had a surprising number of people asking EV questions, with most of them being about range. The Thunder color got more complements than I could count. People loved it!

People also loved checking out the frunk. Sometimes, it’s the little things, I guess. I was expecting to get a few sneers here and there from the many ICE diehards at this event, but that was not the case. Everyone was very polite, welcoming and genuinely curious about the Polestar 2.

The show organizer even stopped by later in the event to thank me for bringing my Polestar 2 as the EV category was a new experiment.

During the show there were several things raffled off to participants and I did end up winning a $5 food gift certificate at a local seafood place.

At the end of the show, they announced the winners in the various categories and I did end up winning a trophy! I won the “Camper’s Choice - EV Fully Electric Car” award.

I do find it funny that the EV trophy has a steering wheel perched atop two pistons.

That’s not as impressive as it sounds, however, since I was actually the only EV there!

But regardless, It was a lot of fun. My wife even stopped by towards the end, but I don’t think she found the show quite as entertaining as I did. I really enjoy talking about EVs with people and anything that can help spread more knowledge about them (and clear up misconceptions) is worthwhile.

EV-specific shows are great, but they mostly bring in people already interested in EVs. At general car shows, there is a much broader audience.

I’ll probably hit up a few other car shows this summer!