Steve Loewen, chair of the Vintage Sights and Sounds New Holland Antique Car, Gas Engine, and Tractor Show, remembers the exact moment more than 40 years ago when he suggested holding the show to New Holland Band representative George Weaver.

"In 1981, we were doing the Memorial Day Pilgrimage," recalled Loewen. "George was in the New Holland Band, and we were in the cemetery at Bowmansville. I said, 'George, let's have a car show in New Holland.'" Loewen explained that a show had been held for two years by a local organization, but he did not think that would continue. "I wanted to keep the show going," he said. "It had been extremely successful."

Weaver thought the car show would be a great project for the New Holland Band. "Music and antique cars go together well," said Weaver, and he suggested the slogan "Vintage Sights and Sounds."

On Sunday, July 10, the 41st annual show will be held in the New Holland Community Memorial Park, 400 E. Jackson St., New Holland. The field will open for car parking at 9 a.m. According to Loewen, the theme of the show will be "Pickup Trucks." As in the past, vehicles to be judged must register by noon on Saturday, July 9.

Loewen noted that he has been asked if an El Camino is a pickup truck, and he said he would allow the vehicle to be registered as a truck. John Riggs, who won best in show at the New Holland event a few years ago for his bright orange 1937 pickup, said that he agrees that the hybrid vehicles should qualify. Riggs, who was a mechanic for 39 years, devoted himself to restoring his pickup and spent six years on the project, enlisting a little help from each of his grandchildren along the way. "This is my seventh year showing it," said Riggs, who brought home two trophies from the 2021 Spring Car Cruise in Ocean City, Md.

Organizers of the show find car accessories as fascinating as the vehicles. Weaver brought his 1958 Pontiac Bonneville to the interview, and he removed the car's radio, explaining that it was the first transistor radio made by General Motors. "It was portable, so it was called a Sportable radio. You could take it on the beach to play music."

Between 9 a.m. and noon on July 10, 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 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, including bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwiches and coffee at 9 a.m. Food trucks that will sell items at the event will include 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 from 9 a.m. to noon.

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