I know this is probably the wrong place to pose the question, but why the need for an award....can't you just enjoy the car and showing it? I just don't get the whole car show scene.
1) It's a crazy cheap date! My wife and I go, we bring a small cooler our chairs and the canopy and enjoy the day together!
2)Most (yes not all) but most of the car shows we see around here are for good causes. Local charities, churches, special needs/olympics. Why not donate to a good cause and have a little fun at the same time!
3)I like talking about cars, looking at cars, and then some more talking about cars. What better place to do that then at car shows!
4)Great excuse for mods!
5)Also gets you in the habit of really detailing your car. Which if you don't do yourself and pay someone else to do can be expensive. This one in particular might be exclusive to me but I'm very tight with money. At the same time I like to be lazy from time to time and not clean the car perfectly, so having a show to get it ready for gives me the extra little kick to go get her ready!
Bottom line IMO is car shows are meant to be good times. Usually good crews of people with some 50-60-70's tunes jamming. It's a great atmosphere to be around. Have fun and enjoy!