Newton County car enthusiasts don’t have any problem getting their fix of classic cars, with two cruise-ins and a car show every month.

This past Saturday, and every first Saturday of the month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., classic car owners and lovers pulled into the Covington square for an informal cruise-in, showing off their cars and sharing their love of ancient automobiles. Social Circle resident Bill Eaton dusted his 1965 Chevy Impala Supersport in preparation for the onlookers. He’s been going to car shows for about 15 years.

"I’m just a car fanatic," Eaton said. "When I was a kid, my grandma had a white Chevy Impala and I fell in love with the body style."

The show isn’t just those for those ancient autos though, as those with newer models participate, showing off revamped engines. Eaton said sometimes he prefers to show off his 2007 Corvette.

Covington resident Jimmy Ellis said he never could afford his own car, so takes other people’s cars home with him, lots of them — through his pictures.

"You wouldn’t believe the numbers of pictures I have. Hundreds and thousands probably," Ellis said.

After the laid-back cruise-in, owners get down to business on the second Saturday of each month, competing head to head on the square for the right to claim one of 22 trophies. Co-organizer Joe Minix said the car show is an open class competition, and trophies are given out for each of the top 20 cars, with two more trophies for the best car that’s under construction and the kid’s top choice.

Minix said between 40 and 70 people usually show up to the show, and it’s an easygoing time that is everyone is welcome to attend. In addition, the cruise-ins and car shows help the automotive vendors in Covington, who sometimes stop by to show off their stuff.

Jeff Rutherford, an AMSOIL Dealer, sets up a booth at the cruise-ins and shows and said he comes to have a good time and to answer questions from anyone who is interested in his products.

"It’s so casual here. These people have toys and they like to drive them," he said. "I don’t try to push my product on anyone, but if people are interested I tell them about AMSOIL."

After the heat of the show competition, it’s back to easygoing admiration. Owners can also cruise in to Lou’s Soda Fountain and Grille in Social Circle on the third Saturday of the every month.