The Panhandle Council of Car Clubs is gearing up for its 40th annual Make-A-Wish Car Show on March 8 and 9 at the Amarillo Civic Center, promising a weekend filled with classic cars, community spirit, and charitable giving. The event, known as the region’s largest and longest-running fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas, aims to raise at least $75,000—with hopes of hitting $80,000—to grant wishes for children battling critical illnesses.
A Show with a Purpose
Since its inception four decades ago, the Make-A-Wish Car Show has helped fund hundreds of wishes for children across Amarillo and 25 surrounding counties. On average, each wish costs about $10,000, and last year, the show raised $68,000—enough to fund nearly seven wishes.
Denay Hooks, development manager for Make-A-Wish North Texas' Amarillo Chapter, emphasized the impact of the event on local families.
“This car show helps us create the opportunity to grant more wishes in the Amarillo area because we end up averaging between 26 and 32 wishes a year, and we have about 50 kids waiting,” Hooks said.
As a former Wish mom herself, Hooks understands firsthand how life-changing a wish can be, not only for the child but for their entire family.
“It gives them hope, joy, and a chance to just be a kid without the stress of their illness. But it also impacts their families, giving them moments of togetherness and much-needed respite,” she added.
Showcasing Over 300 Unique Vehicles
This year’s car show will feature over 300 vehicles, ranging from street rods, muscle cars, and sports cars to motorcycles, tractors, and four-wheelers. Enthusiasts will get a rare chance to see five cars from the classic 1973 film “American Graffiti”, along with custom-built models, racecars, and vintage gems spanning nearly a century of automotive history (1929–2026).
Barry Henson, Make-A-Wish Car Show Chairman, says the event has become a benchmark for car enthusiasts, marking the official start of car show season.
“Everybody tries to get their new builds done for this car show so they can showcase them before heading out on the road for the rest of the year,” Henson said.
Beyond the cars, attendees can explore a variety of vendor booths, offering everything from jewelry and hair accessories to Bluetooth speaker tumblers and car-related services like sandblasting and carpet steaming.
Fundraising Beyond the Cars
While the stunning vehicles are the main attraction, a significant portion of the event’s fundraising comes from the charity auction, which features one-of-a-kind model car builds donated exclusively for the show.
Make-A-Wish will also have a booth set up for those looking to donate, sign up as volunteers, or learn more about the foundation’s work.
How to Attend
The event will take place at the Amarillo Civic Center, with show hours running from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Admission:
$7 for adults
$5 for children
Children under 7 enter free
Tickets can be purchased at the door. For more information, follow the Panhandle Council of Car Clubs on Facebook or email makeawishcarshow@gmail.com.
An Event for the Whole Family
Whether you’re a devoted car enthusiast or just looking for a fun-filled weekend with the family, this year’s Make-A-Wish Car Show promises something for everyone—all while making a difference in the lives of children facing unimaginable challenges.
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