Jim Metts loved classic cars, buying and restoring them.
"It was a passion of his," said his wife, Glenda.
The area orthodontist was a charter member of the Evans Lions Club, another one of his passions.
Nearly two years after Metts' death, the club he helped found is holding the second annual Jim Metts Memorial Car Show from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at Wesley United Methodist Church on North Belair Road in Evans.
The show features classes for nearly any kind of vehicle, including stock, custom, street rod, muscle, truck, motorcycle, antique, exotic and imports.
Most classes are divided into pre-1985 and post-1985 models, said Art Turner, an Evans Lion and event organizer.
"We've got 23 different classes for this event, including a novice class for people who have never participated in a car show and want to show their ride," Turner said.
"It is open to everyone. We've got a class for 'tunerz,' the foreign exotics, the small foreign cars people are souping up this year."
There is a $20 entry fee for each vehicle.
All proceeds from the event benefit several Lions-supported charities, including the Mechanics Ministry at Wesley, the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind, the Georgia Lions Lighthouse for the Blind, the Lions Clubs International Foundation, which provides disaster assistance and funds to research blindness, and the Columbia County Citizens Relief Fund.
The inaugural event boasted 135 entries, including a custom-made Oldsmobile baby stroller, a 1925 Chevrolet restored to original condition and a 2007 Ford Shelby Cobra GT500KR.
That event raised $14,000, which Turner said provided 15 cars to those in need through the church's mechanics ministry, and summer camp for 25 blind children, in addition to a donation to the international foundation.
Metts said her husband would be proud of the event organized to honor him.
"It is for a good cause. It is in memory of a good man," she said. "He wouldn't believe people would honor him like this for such a good cause."
Turner said the goal is to have at least 1,000 people attend the event to showcase at least 200 vehicle entries.
Cash prizes will be awarded in each class in addition to other awards, including Best in Show, People's Choice, President's Trophy and a special Jim Metts memorial award.
The show will start with a "cruise-in," a motorcade slated to run from Mullins Crossing shopping center to the church. Staging will begin at the shopping center at 7:30 a.m. with the motorcade starting at 9 a.m.
"That is something new this year and it has been well-received by all the early entries," Turner said.
The show grounds will be open for entrants and exhibitors at 7:30 a.m. and registration will continue until 11 a.m.
The show, Turner said, also will feature a play area for children, vendors selling refreshments and free eye screenings. Door prizes, "goody bags" and a raffle will be held.
For information or to register, contact Turner at (706) 860-6655 or at art_turner@comcast.net.
icon.