Car enthusiasts spearheaded an event to spark interest in automotive history and mechanics with local 6th graders. D.A. Smith Middle School and the Ozark Boys and Girls Club are set to host a unique and educational event, “Driving Through the Decades,” on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (with a rain date of Friday, May 9). This inaugural event, organized to engage students in the history and evolution of automobiles, promises to be a fascinating experience for both participants and attendees.
Participants will showcase their vehicles, ranging from early 20th century models to cars from this year.
Here’s how it works: Vehicle owners register their year, make, and model at nscdothan.com/decades by the deadline of Friday, April 18 at noon. Sixth-grade teachers then provide this list to their students, who select a vehicle to research. The students delve into the car’s history and mechanics, creating informative posters and artwork to display alongside the vehicles on the day of the event.
Students will explore the evolution of cars, identify key innovations, and discuss potential future advancements, as well as address current automotive challenges and propose solutions. On the day of the show, students will dress in period-appropriate attire and present their research to their peers.
Participants are asked to arrive between 8:10 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. to park their vehicles, as students will begin arriving at 9:00 a.m. Due to bus drop-off, vehicle parking prior to 8:00 a.m. is not permitted. The event is free, and all types of vehicles are welcome. Cars will be arranged chronologically, showcasing 125 years of automotive development.
