COLUMBUS, Ohio — Women’s Equality Day is celebrated every Aug. 26, and while the day honors American suffragists, some groups also like to celebrate women’s impact in all types of fields — including those typically associated with men.
What You Need To Know
- The 2nd Annual Women’s Motor Fest took place at Quaker Steak & Lube in Columbus
- The car show fell on Women’s Equality Day this year
- Organizers say the event was designed to create a comfortable space for women to celebrate their vehicles
- Though the car show welcomes women, men can also take part
Saturday was the Annual Women’s Motor Fest in Columbus, which is designed to include women.
Among the cars on display is Kelly Young’s 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.
“Women in motor sports, that’s 100% what I do. So, let’s do it,” said Young.
Cars have always been her thing.
“When I was younger,” Young said, “I used to do quads and ATVs and then I got into jeeps and off roading, and then I’ve just been hooked ever since. “
Not only does this car show include women, the event is also run by them.
Jayme Blasiman is one of the organizers.
“It’s important,” said Blasiman, “because we need to have our own space to do it our way and really embrace and honor the femininity of women in the automotive off roading motor sports space.”
Though the event includes women, Blasiman says men are also invited.
“I think when you look around here, the men that are here, it’s the men supporting the women, too,” said Blasiman.
Blasiman’s goal is to help make women, like Young, feel empowered and change people’s perceptions one way or another.
“This is about embracing our inner ornery-ness and really lean into our femininity and redefine what that really means. Doing burnouts, drag racing stuff is not a masculine thing. It’s a car thing, it’s a truck thing,” said Blasiman.
The Women’s Motor Fest is in its second year, but organizers hope this event will eventually expand to also teach women how to do donuts, burnouts, Battle of the Sexes, and drag racing.
