Annual car show in New Holland Park planned

Steve Loewen, one of the organizers of the Vintage Sights and Sounds New Holland Antique Car, Gas Engine, and Tractor Show, always has a reason for choosing the theme of the show. For the 42nd annual event, which will be held in the New Holland Community Memorial Park, 400 E. Jackson St., New Holland, on Sunday, July 9, beginning at 9 a.m., Loewen has chosen "Firebirds and Camaros."

In choosing the sporty sister cars, Loewen delved into New Holland history, his own life-changing accident in 1976, and the help of a friend and neighbor following that event. "I lived on West Main Street (diagonal) to Peifer Pontiac," said Loewen, who noted that Peifer manager Larry Denlinger lived two houses west. When the accident left Loewen in a wheelchair, Larry, whose wife, Ann, had the maiden name Peifer, helped secure Loewen's first wheelchair van. When the first car show was organized in 1982, Larry offered to sponsor a class of 1967 through 1969 Camaros and Firebirds. After Larry was killed in an auto accident in 2018, Loewen determined to make Firebirds and Camaros the theme in the near future. "To me, this is kind of a memorial tribute to Larry Denlinger for his tremendous help to me in the early days," said Loewen. "He was one of the first guys to step up and sponsor (a class in the car show)."

Loewen pointed out that 1967 is the first model year for both cars, and he noted that the style was developed to compete with the Ford Mustang. "Ford got the jump on GM when they came out with the Mustang (in 1964)," he said, adding that John DeLorean oversaw the birth of the Firebird. "The Trans Am Firebird had the giant bird on the hood," he added.

As in the past, vehicles to be judged must be registered by noon on Saturday, July 8. Between 9 a.m. and noon on July 9, cars will line up on the show field. Cars will be judged in more than 30 classes. Judging for the People's Choice Award will begin at noon and cease at 2 p.m. For a nominal fee, spectators may obtain a ballot and vote for their favorite car. The Carl S. Sauder and Tom Wagner memorial awards, along with the Best of Show and Spectator's Choice awards, will be given to cars chosen by designated judges at 3:30 p.m.

Live musical presentations will be given by the Music on Main Combo Band at noon and the New Holland Swing Band at 1:30 p.m.

A variety of food items will be available for purchase beginning at 9 a.m. Food trucks that will sell items at the event will include Mr. Mini's Tasty Donuts, Hen House Grilling & BBQ, D&B'z Foods, NiCE SiZE FRiES, and Lickity Split. The New Holland Band will coordinate a beverage stand.

In conjunction with the car show, the Friends of the ELANCO Library will hold a book sale at the park beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing throughout the show.

Car owners who have questions about the show may contact Loewen at loewen58@yahoo.com or call 717-413-6229.