Sometimes I think folks go to car shows for all the wrong reasons, and some folks put them on for the same reason. I have put on quite a few (my retirement job after having to take early out due to loosing sight in my left eye).
I put on show so entrants AND spectators can have some fun. I always try to raise money for some worthwhie charity, and give out some awards (by popular vote) and send everyone home happy. I don't enter my cars with the expectation of an award, yes I do see some of the judges showes biased, but I don't let it ruin my day.
I am a member of the Prowler Club, and we purchase matchbox Prowlers by the case, and give them out to kids (of all ages0 at the shows. I go to shows to have fun, not to get upset at the judging.
you have to really develop a thick skin on the show circuit , ask my fellow islander who posted pics of the only mopar show on the island .held at a dealership and run by people who don't like his family he lost best truck in a 2 truck field to a plain old truck that was no where near as unique as his truck, the same show last year gave the so called peoples choice award voted by the people to a car that came in on a flat bed wrecker 20 minutes before the voting ended after 4 hours of people coming and going and after most people had long gone home ,it's a joke their is no judging if you are this guys friend or that guy did your work then you will win when it is your turn heck one guy 3 years ago got a best paint trophy { never awarded before or since } for a car with runs and sagging drops of dried colour and clear coat all along the underside of the rockers and quarters ,just go meet knew people and support the charities and laugh at the self important judges fooling only themselves