Y’all. What an event. I remember meeting Joseph way way way back in the day on an old forum (down and out ) that no longer exists, and if my memory is correct (which is a big if), that forum became part of SouthrnFresh. He’s put in so much incredible work building it into something so much more than just a forum where a bunch of young kids talked trash with some car features. At one point I had done a little writing and photography for the very old set up, but that honestly feels like a lifetime ago, and the growth that SouthrnFresh has seen since then has been staggering.

I think this was maybe the 3rd SouthrnFresh meet/show I’ve ever been able to make it to. I missed so many due to other obligations like school or work, and for a while, I missed them due to getting away from car culture entirely. I remember those events being fun, but much smaller and at shops-  not taking over a majority of Jim R. Miller park. I’m very glad I made it a point to keep the date mostly open because it was such a good time. Events like this, hosted by someone local who has built their brand along with the scene, always blow my mind. Yes, Atlanta is a sprawling city, but it’s easy to feel like these big, well done events are only put on by outside companies or large corporations. Almost like a drive by tourist trap, hosted in your own city for one weekend only.  SouthrnFresh though? Felt like home. Like modernized nostalgia. And maybe that’s because so many familiar faces were there with their shops, brands or just there to check out the cars. Or maybe that’s something that Joseph and his team bring to this intentionally.

I appreciated the diversity in cars that entered the show, and also that there was no one specific thing that would grab attention. When reading their information about what they were looking for when giving trophies, I was happy to see there were no written guidelines. There was no specific set of expectations to meet, no one style or brand to adhere to, just bring your build and show off what’s unique, what makes it yours and if the judges like it, they like it. And if you’re entering the show for the trophy, they tell you this isn’t the right event for you. All of this, as well as curating quality vendors made this feel like an entire, complete event – one you could come and spend the entire day at (or at least the 4 hours the gates were open) and see all kinds of cars, hang with friends, pick up some goodies and mingle amongst people who all share in the same passion, even if they maybe go about it in a different style.

If you’ve missed out on these for any reason, or you weren’t sure if you should pay the ticket fee.. next year, do. I will be doing my best to never miss another one again as long as they stay similar to this.