×

Third annual car show revs up in Buckhannon

BUCKHANNON – Visitors to Buckhannon will be able to take a step back in time today and Saturday as the West Virginia Classic Wheels Car Club’s third annual Blast From the Past cruise-in and car show rolls into town.

Event organizers say the whole family should visit Buckhannon for a plethora of activities along with hundreds of classic and antique cars.

“If the weather holds and it is nice out, we could have over 500 cars,” organizer Rick Hopkins said. “I hope it holds. This thing could be really successful this year. There are going to be a lot of beautiful cars here.”

The fun will begin today with the classic cars lining Main Street starting at 5 p.m. The street will be closed to regular traffic beginning at 6 p.m. The car show will continue on Saturday with Main Street closing to traffic at 4 p.m.

Hopkins said cars will line the street as well as at Jawbone Park, but noted the unique rides are not the only reason to attend this year’s event.

“There will be cars everywhere,” he said. “Jawbone Park will be covered with activities for kids.”

Hopkins suggested families bring lawn chairs and get ready for a good time.

“This is not just for the car guys,” he said. “We are trying to make this into something unique for our community. It is growing every year.”

Hopkins said the park will feature bounce houses and rides for the kids. The event also coincides with Festival Fridays. Today, Ryan Cain and the Ables will perform their unique brand of “rock-a-billy” at 6 p.m. The band will perform again along Main Street on Saturday.

“We feel we are putting on an event for the whole community,” Hopkins said. “It is more than just a car show. We have entertainment, activities for the kids and it is cost free. Unless you are registering a car or purchasing food, it is free entertainment.”

Jawbone Park will also be the site of several food vendors and a “car corral” on Saturday. Hopkins explained the corral will be set near Jawbone Park and will provide a spot for anyone looking to sell or purchase a classic or antique car. Hopkins said anyone looking to put a car in the corral will have to pay a $10 registration.

The event will also feature a swap meet to help car enthusiasts find different parts for their vehicles. There will be a $10 registration to participate in the swap meet.

“The weather is key. The car guys are resilient, but they don’t like to bring out their cars in bad weather,” Hopkins said. “The car guys are very supportive of what we are doing.”

The club has received phone calls from several different states with people interested in the car show. Hopkins said there will be all kinds of cars at the event including street rods, muscle cars and antiques.

“There are even three or four race cars coming to be put on display,” he said.

The car show will feature three door prizes for car show participants. Prizes include a $700 gift certificate towards a set of new tires, a Samsung tablet with keyboard and case and a $100 Sheetz gas card. Registration is $10 and will be along Main Street.

The club also has a pancake breakfast planned from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday at CJ Maggies. The cost of breakfast is $5 per person.

“The event also raises money for our charity funds,” he said. “We are a non-profit organization and we give back to the charities we sponsor.”

In the past the car club has donated to several organizations, including the Parish House and the Angel Tree. He said the club has also partnered with St. Joseph’s Hospital in providing car seats to local families with newborns.

For more information on the event visit www.wvclassicwheels.org.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $3.92/week.

Subscribe Today