Car, food cultures collide at Motorama & Smoke

MADISON HEIGHTS — A car show and barbecue cook-off will celebrate both hobbies while raising money for a good cause.

The fundraiser, Motorama & Smoke, will take place Saturday, Oct. 14, at Madison High School, located at 915 E. 11 Mile Road. The car show runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the cook-off is from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Those looking to exhibit their prized ride can pay a $10 registration fee in advance or $12 the day of the event. The registration fee for the barbecue contest is $50 for either chicken or ribs. There is also a kids’ burger competition, with a $25 registration fee, and a cornhole tournament at 10 a.m., with a $10 registration fee. The registration links for each event are available via the calendar at madison-heights.org.

Proceeds benefit the Human Relations and Equity Commission, or HREC, a citizen-led board that promotes diversity and advises the Madison Heights City Council on inclusive policies.

Madison Heights City Councilman Quinn Wright is also a representative for the HREC and served as its chair prior to joining the council.

“This is the first time we’re offering this event. It came about out of an idea to think about culture in a different way,” Wright said. “Many events we’ve done in the past were about specific racial cultural experiences. Like when we did the city’s first Juneteenth celebration, or the citywide MLK Day event this year, or the Jewish historical tours in Detroit. But now we’re using this opportunity to share different subcultures, things that people have interest in, like the car scene and cooking scene. We’re bringing it all together in a tailgating atmosphere, where the car folks can show off their rides, and the barbecue folks can compete in the cooking competition.”

He said the car show is open to all kinds of vehicles, both modern and classic. The cooking competition will follow Kansas City Barbecue Society rules. A certified pitmaster will help ensure the rules are being followed. Food will be judged in three categories: taste, tenderness and appearance. An audience vote will help determine “Best in Show” for the car show and cook-off.

“There is already a ton of excitement. Everyone is very curious to know the rules,” Wright said, noting more information will be posted to the HREC’s page at madison-heights.org. “Normally people are worried about the rules being too strict, but ironically for both shows, we’re hearing from folks worried the rules will be too lenient. It’s refreshing, because it shows they take pride in what they do, and they want a real competition when they show up.”

He praised the Madison District Public Schools for its cooperation.

“The Madison school district has been a phenomenal partner on this project. We wanted to do something closer to the (Downtown Development Authority), closer to the south side of town, and the high school works out perfectly for this style of event,” Wright said.

One of the sponsors for the cook-off is Woodpile BBQ. Sponsors are still being accepted at the HREC’s website.     

Madison Heights City Councilwoman Emily Rohrbach, also a representative on the HREC, said the event is another way for community members to connect.

“(Motorama & Smoke) goes beyond the joy of barbecue and classic cars. It exemplifies the Commission’s commitment to being an outreached hand, striving to bring people into the fold and ensuring everyone feels welcome here,” Rohrbach said via email.

“I applaud the resident members of the HREC’s tireless efforts in fostering inclusivity, understanding and unity among our residents. We welcome more participation from residents, and there are currently openings on the HREC, so please complete an application on the city clerk’s website if you would like to join the commission,” she said.

Nickole Fox is another member of the HREC. She said the car show and cook-off align with the HREC’s goal to hold social events celebrating Madison Heights as a great place to live.

“I am excited that we are partnering with Madison High School to host the event, and proud of our team for thinking creatively to bring people together,” Fox said in an email. “We invite everyone to come out to the event, meet your neighbors, and have a great time!”