I’m always up for a little something different when it comes to a car or truck show, and this past Saturday was no different.

Earlier this year, I made the trip to Fort Smith, Arkansas, for a first-time show called the River Valley Gathering. We had a great time hanging out, and while I was there, I met the man behind the show, Larry Breeden.

Well, Larry had another idea for a show — the Hanging Judge Tailgate Revival. The criteria was pretty simple:

If it’s got a tailgate, it’s welcome.

And, of course, I made another trip to Fort Smith for this one. I mean, I do have a truck with a tailgate!

It didn’t matter if it was Ford, Chevy, or Dodge. Truck, wagon, El Camino, 4-wheel drive, lowrider — if it had a tailgate, it was represented.

Larry has a passion for raising money for Almost Home Shelter, an all-volunteer facility dedicated to improving animal welfare in the Fort Smith area.

One thing I really like about what he has done with these shows is that there isn’t a set registration fee for participants. It’s completely based on whatever donation you want to make, and everything donated goes straight to Almost Home Shelter. I don’t know how much was raised at this show, but from what I know about the previous show, they did pretty well for the charity.

It’s a different model than what we’re used to seeing at most shows, but it’s nice to see someone try something different — and even better to see people show up and support the cause.

And show up they did! The Hanging Judge Tailgate Revival had more than 120 vehicles come out on a day when the temperature crossed the 100-degree mark, with the heat index climbing even higher. That’s a pretty good turnout for any show, but especially when it’s that hot outside!

Even with the heat, we had a great time hanging out with some new friends we met up with along the way and checking out some really cool tailgates.

Good people, cool rides, and a great cause — that makes for a pretty good Saturday in my book.

I can say without a doubt, I’ll be making more trips to Fort Smith!

Be sure to check out our Facebook page for more pictures from the Hanging Judge Tailgate Revival!

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