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HJR 515

Memorials, Recognition - Southeastern Autorama, 65th annual car show -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Renea Jones

Tennessee formally recognizes and commends the Southeastern Autorama’s 65-year legacy and its positive community and charitable contributions.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HJR 515

Summary of HJR 515 (Memorials, Recognition)

Overview

HJR 515 is a Tennessee House Joint Resolution that memorializes and commends the 65th annual Southeastern Autorama car show. The resolution recognizes the event’s long history in Erwin, Tennessee, and its community contributions. It passed both legislative chambers and was signed by the Governor in April 2025.

  • Bill: HJR 515
  • Title: Memorials, Recognition - Southeastern Autorama, 65th annual car show
  • Classification: Joint Resolution (concurrent, ceremonial)
  • Introduced: March 27, 2025
  • Status: Signed by Governor (April 15, 2025)

Purpose and Intent

  • Publicly recognize the Southeastern Autorama car show as a longtime and beloved regional event.
  • Celebrate the event’s 65th anniversary (2025) and its planned 65th iteration on October 11, 2025, in Erwin.
  • Extend best wishes to organizers, sponsors, participants, and attendees.
  • Acknowledge the event’s role in promoting automotive culture and community engagement, including charitable activities.

Key Provisions

  • Recognition: The Tennessee General Assembly concurring, recognizes and commends the 65th Southeastern Autorama car show.
  • Event Details: Notes the 65th annual show will be held in Erwin on October 11, 2025.
  • History and Significance:
    • Origin: Founded in 1960 by Conrad Beam (Big Hat Grill), with Jim Hobbs and Earl Walker.
    • Status: Tennessee’s longest-running consecutive car show.
    • Vehicle Spectrum: Showcases classic and modern vehicles—hot rods, muscle cars, trucks, motorcycles.
  • Community Impact:
    • Contributions to scholarships and funding for lighting the local high school track field.
    • Charitable efforts such as fundraising for Hurricane Helene victims.
    • Inception of the Miss Autorama beauty pageant, with Cynthia Lewis cited as the first winner.
  • Ceremonial Provisions: Authorizes preparation of an appropriate copy for presentation; language following the state seal appears without House or Senate designation in the final copy.

Who Is Affected

  • Event organizers, sponsors, participants, and attendees of the Southeastern Autorama.
  • The Erwin community and downstream beneficiaries of the show’s charitable efforts (scholarships, school facilities, disaster relief efforts).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction: March 27, 2025 (Sponsor: Jones R).
  • House Action: March 31, 2025 (adopted; Ayes 93, Nays 0, PNV 2; sponsor added).
  • Senate Action: April 7–9, 2025 (concurred; Ayes 32, Nays 0; enrolled; ready for signature by presiding officers).
  • Transmission and Enactment: April 14–15, 2025 (transmitted to Governor; signed by Governor).
  • Legal Effect: Ceremonial designation; no changes to statutes or funding_authority; non-binding expression of recognition and goodwill.

Impact Summary

This joint resolution serves as an official ceremonial acknowledgment of the Southeastern Autorama’s 65-year legacy and its positive community contributions. It does not create policy, allocate funds, or alter statutory obligations, but provides formal recognition from the state and sets the stage for continued community celebration of automotive culture in Tennessee.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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