Bernie,
How do you do the trophies? That's partially what the entry fees are for here. Although it sounds like your car shows are the same as our cruise nights. Come bring your car, hangout and let everyone admire. Our car shows are more competitions. Some are REALLY competitive and some are just smaller friendly competitions (I've seen a well used '83 Corvette win the 80's class because he was the only one in the class).
I'd say most of the local car shows around charge $10-$20. And the $20 ones are usually donating a portion or all the proceeds to a charity - and those are tax deductible donations. So most folks expect to pay something for the competition aspect - but some people will come and hang out at the show and not enter to win anything and that's free. I guess we US-ians tend to give our money out more than y'all - car shows and tipping.
Colleen