June 14: Cruise Down Memory Lane 603 E. Landis Ave., Vineland, NJ 08360 5-9pm
Info: Marvin Askins 856-697-6306
THE GREATEST SHOW ON ICE
Car racing on frozen Moosehead Lake is a white-hot experience
If you have been reading Cruising Magazine for a while, you may recall a story that appeared in the first issue of 2021 about ice racing on Moosehead Lake in Greenville, Maine. In case you missed that issue, Greenville is located in the heart of Maine, and it is commonly referred to as the gateway to the North Woods. It is situated at the southern end of Moosehead
By Frank Adkins
Lake, which covers over 75,000 acres. The lake stretches 40 miles to the north and 10 miles from side to side at its widest point. Because of its proximity to the lake as well as to other ponds, rivers, hiking trails, snowmobile and ATV trails, and more, Greenville is a popular destination for those hardy individuals who seek outdoor activities.
Moosehead Lake offers ample opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, and there are also two businesses that offer seaplane tours of the area. In fact, in September, Greenville will host its annual Fly-In event during which seaplanes and seaplane aficionados from places near and far will converge on the town. You can also tour Moosehead Lake on the 115-foot-long historic steamboat named the Katahdin, or “Kate” as she is affectionately known to the locals. Built by Bath Iron Works in 1914, she was converted from steam to diesel power in the 1950s.
West Cove Ice Racing Association in action on Maine's Moosehead Lake. Photos courtesy Frank Adkins
But the outdoor activities on Moosehead Lake do not end when the autumn leaf peepers return home. Soon after the last of the leaves have fallen, the lake begins to freeze. Snow is not uncommon in October, which calls for a shift in outdoor activities. As the weeks pass and the frozen surface of the lake grows thicker, folks look forward to ice fishing and snowmobiling on the expansive ice. Throughout the winter, the ice can reach a thickness of three feet in some portions of the lake. The ice fishing season typically runs from January through March.
In our area, with the racetracks closed, racers remain dormant during the wintertime. That’s not so for the folks in Greenville, for the West Cove Ice Racing Association holds weekly races in the West Cove of the lake throughout February and early March, weather and ice conditions permitting. While the ice failed to reach a thickness conducive to safe racing in 2023 and 2024, the racing returned this year.
Once the lake freezes, snow accumulates atop the ice. WCIRA volunteers plow a large oval racetrack and an access road as well as an ample pit area and a lot for spectator parking. On race day, racers and spectators reach the track by driving down the public boat ramp in West Cove Park. The race vehicles are typically front-wheel drive cars fortified with open exhaust, aggressive tire chains for traction, and steel bars to protect the driver from side impact. Although racers are expected to refrain from intentionally wrecking each other, it is understood that some swapping of paint is unavoidable. While clawing for traction, the tire chains rip up a considerable amount of the ice surface, so the plows must clear the track after each race.
On the last Saturday of February, my wife Kristan and I attended this spectacle on ice. The action was wild! “The Fastest Girl on Ice” Nikki Falla won two of the three races in her lime green Volkswagen, while Mark “The Shark” Elliott made a strong second place showing in the Open race after an earlier mishap that caused him to roll his car! Fortunately, he was not hurt, and his car appeared undamaged.
After the regular racing was finished, the WCIRA held a “Run What Ya Brung” event in which fans could make timed laps on the course in their everyday street-driven vehicles. Only “regular” tires with no chains were allowed. Of course, Kristy and I were up for the experience! After signing the waivers and paying a nominal fee, we entered the track in Kristy’s 2010 Chrysler Sebring sedan and made our way to the start/finish line. I was up first, and when the green flag fell, I eased into the throttle. The chain-roughened surface provided better traction than I had expected, but as I entered the first turn I surpassed the adhesion limits of the tires, and the Sebring understeered horribly. Because it is a FWD car, I straightened the wheel slightly and eased off the accelerator until the front end settled. I completed my run using the same technique in each turn, though pushing the limits a little bit harder than I probably should have. Back at the start/finish line, Kristy and I traded places. When the green flag fell and the starter yelled, “Hit it!” she did — a little too hard! But she quickly recovered from the wheelspin, and she made her laps much more smoothly than I had while holding her speed to about 40mph. Consequently, only once did she experience the understeer that had plagued me.
A number of folks competed in their four-wheel drive trucks, and they got around the counter-clockwise oval more quickly than the two-wheel drive vehicles. One driver got into trouble, however, when drifting his truck
around the outside of a curve. With the tail-end hanging out dirt track style and the steering wheel cut hard to the right, the rear wheels caught the outer snow wall, causing the truck to rotate sharply and burying the front wheels in the snow. This sudden change of direction and stoppage of the front wheels caused the truck to tumble onto its left side. The driver and passenger made it out safely with the only injury being to the driver’s ego. Kristy and I returned home the following day. Imagine our surprise when she checked the results on Monday morning and discovered that we had taken first and third places in the two-wheel drive class! In fact, the top three places were spread over a mere 3.25 seconds. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the members of the WCIRA for putting on these fun and well-run events. For more photos and cool videos, search West Cove Ice Racing Association on Facebook.
Moosehead Lake is an attraction any time of year, but when things freeze over the ice racers take over. The author and his wife had a chance to test their skills on the slick stuff by competing in the "Run What Ya Brung" category.
The One & Only Carlisle
By Lou Sitaras
This year Cruising Magazine celebrates Carlisle Events with a series of four articles on this mustattend automotive destination. For more than 50 years, Carlisle has provided classic car enthusiasts with a place to gather and share their passion with other enthusiasts who arrive from around the world. Whether attending to shop for cars, parts, or automobilia, it’s always a memorable day at Carlisle.
Iremember being a teenager in the late 1970s when I first heard the word “Carlisle.” I wanted to go to the Hershey Swap Meet and a friend said, “You should go to Carlisle.” When I responded, “What’s Carlisle?”, it was explained to me that Hershey was for antique cars (pre-WW II) and Carlisle was for newer cars (muscle car era). Since I was a muscle car guy at heart, off to Carlisle I went.
Pulling into this charming small town, I was met with an incredible sight. Many residents had opened their yards and turned them into parking lots. I had never seen anything like it! Granted, it wasn’t free, but the pricing was reasonable and it also gave residents the opportunity to make a bit of extra money — a much better idea than having a giant parking garage in the middle of town.
As I reflect on my first steps on the show field, all I can say is “Oh My Gosh!” I can only compare it to the moment Ray Liotta gingerly
stepped from behind the cornfield onto Kevin Costner’s baseball diamond in the movie Field Of Dreams and uttered those magical words: “Is this heaven?” For a teenager like me who had never experienced an automotive event even remotely similar, it really was heaven. I walked and walked and walked that day and when I crested the “Carlisle Hill,” I was shocked to find even more rows of the swap meet going back almost to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. So, I continued on.
Carlisle Events Public Relations Manager Mike Garland proudly showcasing the poster in his office celebrating 50 years of Carlisle. Photos by Lou Sitaras
These days I tend to walk through swap meets at a brisk pace. Back then, however, I stopped at every vendor and seemingly looked at every item. Virtually anything I wanted was there for the taking — assuming, of course, I had a briefcase full of cash, which I didn’t. I doubt I had more than $100 dollars in my pocket, but it didn’t matter. In my mind, any item could be mine and I had to examine everything. Oh, to be young again!
Checking out thousands of vendors was an incomparable thrill . . . until I began walking through the car corral . . . hundreds of muscle cars available for sale from fully restored to drivers to beaters. Whatever your preference or budget, it was there, and once again I had to look at every single car and read every for sale sign. It was easily the greatest event in which I had ever participated. By day’s end, I was exhausted and ready to drop but still smiling wide at all I had just experienced.
Today, 45 years later, Carlisle still evokes the same thrill, only better. It’s now referred to as Carlisle Events and its existence has spawned a growing city around it with plenty of restaurants and hotels. Carlisle Events encompasses not just a spring and fall swap meet but many other events during the year such as the Carlisle Ford Nationals, Chrysler Nationals, Truck Nationals, and one of my favorite events, Automania.
Automania is a mostly indoor swap meet that takes place every January at the Expo Center in Allentown, Pa. The timing is always perfect because by the middle of January, most classic car owners in our area are going through automotive withdrawal. Automania is an opportunity to get together with friends and grab a few great deals from the many vendors in attendance.
I attended the 2025 Automania event with my cousins Lou and Steve and we had a blast. The vendors were plentiful and so were the deals. We spent the time walking, talking, and reliving automotive memories, and we left with bags and boxes of goodies. It was the perfect event to help get us through the remainder of winter.
When Bill Miller Jr. and the late Chip Miller created the first Carlisle event in 1974, I don’t think they could have envisioned what was to follow. What began as a way for classic car owners to source parts has turned into a yearlong series of events that help bring families together — including my own.
I watch it happen every year. I follow the posts online, and I see the photos afterwards. Carlisle is not just an event, it’s family, and in our next issue we’ll share several of these familythemed stories with you. Thank you, Bill and Chip, for leaving such a lasting legacy.
Carlisle Events is all about family, so I brought my family to the Automania event in Allentown Pa. Pictured is my cousin Steve (left) and cousin Lou (right).
Carlisle Events Manager Ed Buczeskie displaying one of his many treasured finds during his off-time walking the Carlisle swap meet — a rare specialized tool set produced by the factory for dealership use.
Ex-Presidents’ Car & Coffee
Car gatherings are definitely get-togethers cruisers will attend in nearly all types of weather. Take, for instance, a very brisk day back in October when several former presidents of a car club got the idea of staging a cars and coffee.
Well, having it near a coffee-and-donut shop made for some high-caffeine warmer-upper beverages and around 30 cruisers coming for an impromptu car meet.
This type of event gets the car guys and gals out to enjoy the cruising season as often as possible. The ex-presidents brought a warm gathering on a nippy day in Vineland, N.J.
Fort Mott Car Show
Our nation’s history is something that has been taught in schools as a reminder of how our country developed. One such historical location is Fort Mott, located along the banks of the Delaware River in Pennsville, N.J. This fort was built in the late 1890s and it was a defense during the Spanish America War and WW I. The Salem County Road Knights Car Club teamed up with the Fort Mott Park Association to hold a car show at this historic location. More than 200 rides were on hand with proceeds going to the Fort ‘s Park Association. It’s a special day when you can enjoy a segment of our nation’s history and get a history lesson in a cool specialty ride.
— Text: Ben Notaro / Photos: Robert Sliwecki
— Text & Photos: Ben Notaro
Cruisin’ In Winter
During the off season of car activities, cruisers usually look for something automotive to keep the “juices” flowing. A few cruisers got together and made an appointment to go for a tour of a professional restoration facility. They agreed that watching a show-quality ride being constructed and being able to ask the proprietor questions can be a very motivating thing.
Johnson’s Corner Farm Cruise
Johnson’s Corner Farm (Medford, N.J.) has been hosting great cruises for years. Every Friday night, spring through late autumn, cruisers gather to share stories in a country atmosphere. As the season of 2024 wound down, Johnson’s Corner Farm teamed with the United States Marine Corp for their annual toy drive. More than 150 cruisers came out to donate toys for tots and say goodbye to the season of cruising at the farm.
Enter Tom Rightler who is the owner/operator of Mid-Atlantic Muscle Cars located in Bridgeton, NJ. Rightler is no stranger to restoring muscle cars and has animpressive list of clients and accomplishments. It’s also safe to say his passion for the Chevelle served as special inspiration.
While at his shop, one guest (Jim Solomon) presented Rightler with his watercolor artwork depicting Rightler’s reconstructed General Lee. A walk-through had guests checking out an area that had an original contemporary Shelby Cobra frame ready for the body (as well as related parts) and assembly to be completed.
Visiting a shop that specializes in classic and specialty rides is a great way keep the spirit alive and get to see another side of our hobby. Check out Mid-Atlantic Muscle Cars at 8 AND 9
Ending the year on a high note sets the stage, at this neat location and family friendly facility, for this year’s cruising get togethers. — Text: Ben Notaro / Photos: Robert Sliwecki
WE SELL NEW AND REBUILT 8” & 9” Ford Third Members, all parts in stock for same day pick-up or
Unofficial Spring Gathering
One can probably say winter and the months of January and February go hand in hand. But March is as good a month as any to call for an impromptu spring car gathering. Well, the call went out to bring out the rides on March 1 to Angie’s Restaurant and Custard in Buena, N.J., and a group of cruisers came out in force.
A cool day was warmed by the friendships of the cruisers who came out to participate. Cruisers are always ready to get out and ride on accommodating days — and this day was one of them
— Text & Photos: Ben Notaro
Veterans Car Gathering & Commemoration
There is an historic nondenominational church that sits in the heart of the rural community of Richland. The church has been there since 1808 and has been persevered for all to appreciate. This southern New Jersey dwelling’s congregants held a special veterans commemorative ceremony and invited cruisers to come out and participate in the event. The cruisers enjoyed a guest speaker, complimentary food and beverages, and a taste of history. The event also featured a Civil War re-enactor playing “Taps” as a tribute to the fallen veterans. American history, American rides and a day of terrific weather made for a perfect tribute for our veterans. The Friendship Church will host a Jalopy Jamboree this year as a tribute to cruisers. The date of the event is to be announced.
— Text & Photos: Ben Notaro
Wildwood’s Fabulous Nostalgic Car Show
One of the many memories that link us to the good old days is the music we enjoyed. The sounds of rock and roll blasting through our car’s AM radio always gave us a good vibe. Where can one get to enjoy the musical memories of yesterday once a year? Well, the place to enjoy sounds and rides from back in the day is at the annual ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s Weekend in the doo wop capital of the world, Wildwood, N.J.
The event features a classic car show, music from three great decades, and a street fest with free live music and tickets available for a special live concert later than night in the Convention Hall. The headliner for this show was Frankie Avalon as well as numerous original recording artists. A car show for cruisers and a rockand-roll celebration for music fans creates a good time for all.
— Text & Photos: Ben Notaro
Wildwood Classic Car Show
I think it’s safe to say that most cruisers want an endless summer. Let’s face it, for many people it’s about enjoying their ride and in many cases cruising to the shore to enjoy the day — along with a car activity, too.
The Jersey Shore has a car show that has been a mainstay for many years. That event is called the September Fall Classic Car Show. JSM Promotions produces this long running hot rod and muscle car show for the car owners to enjoy a weekend of sun and cars. The show was staged on the boardwalk and in the Convention Hall where special show cars and vendors were on hand for spectators to enjoy.
For those of you who are looking for shore fun this year, check out the May car show in Wildwood, N.J. Any car event near the ocean is always a “shore” thing.
— Text & Photos: Ben Notaro
EVENT LISTINGS
Area CRUISES
Cruising Magazine makes every effort to ensure all listings are correct. However, event listings are subject to change. Please call ahead to avoid a wasted trip. ►
Good food, good friends, cool cars. Info: 609-268-0303
Every Tuesday through November
Millsboro Dairy Queen Cruz-N
Second & Fourth Thursdays April - September
Mr. Bill’s Cruise
Mr. Bill’s of Winslow Twp, 453 Route 73 South, Hammonton, NJ 08037
4-8pm
Great food, custard, and friends. Cruise in for a fun time. Weather permitting. Info: 609-839-1410
Third Tuesdays through September
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, 129 Main St, Millsboro, DE 19966
6-9pm
Info: Rusty 302-934-7377
Every Tuesday through October
Kent Island Cruisers Cruise Nights
Rita’s Italian Ice, 210 Kent Landing, Kent Island, MD 21666
6pm
Delaware Valley Road Runners (DVRR) Cruise Night
Falls Township Community Park 9061 Mill Creek Rd, Levittown, PA 19054 6-8:30pm
Handicap accessible, food, kids, music, all vehicles welcome, 25 plaques each cruise night. Come out for a great time! New members always welcome.
Info: DelawareValleyRoadRunners.com
VINTAGE
CAR SHOW
Weather permitting. Come on out to Rita’s Ice on Kent Island and see what old rides show up!
Every Tuesday through October
Street Rollers Cruise Night
Wood Lanes, 1173 Route 40, Pilesgrove, NJ 08098
5:30-8:30pm
All are welcomed: hot rods, trucks, classics, motorcycles. Whatever your passion is, bring it, show it off!
First Wednesdays through October
Salem County Road Knights Cruise Night
Pat’s Pizzeria 102 South Broadway, Pennsville, NJ 08070
5-8pm
Get ready to rev up your engines and shine those wheels! Pat’s Pizzeria transforms into a hub of car and motorcycle enthusiasts. As a special treat, every car, or motorcycle entry receives a complimentary slice of pizza and a small fountain drink to kick off the night!
Third Wednesdays through September
South Jersey Region AACA Cruise Nights
Salem County Auto Repair
595 Salem Quinton Rd, Salem, NJ 08079
5-7:30pm
Snacks and beverages (provided by Hitchners Furniture) for all drivers who bring their special. Enjoy music by Ed Counsellor. Info: Ron Scott 856-629-6085 or Martin Erdner 856-935-0537 | SJRAACA.com
Every Friday April - October
Street Survivors Friday Cruise Nights
To the left of Burger King by Tractor Supply, Park 97 East Park Shopping Center 7988 Crain Hwy, Glen Burnie, MD 21061 5:30-8:30pm
Beginning April 11. No Entry Fee. All vehicles allowed. Plenty of parking. Music and 50/50 every week. Car show flyers and club merchandise are available. Weather permitting. Food available at nearby establishments.
Info: Tom Pattan 443-838-0948 or Rick 443829-5658 | StreetSurvivorsOfMaryland.com
Second Fridays April - October
Grotto Pizza Presents Cruise Nights
Grotto Pizza, 309 Auto Park Dr, Middletown, DE 19709 5-9pm
Beginning April 11. Come out, show off your ride and enjoy food and drinks at Grotto Pizza. Rain date is always the 3rd Friday. No burnouts. Info: CarShows4Nonprofits@gmail.com
2nd & 4th
Fridays May - September 12
Historic Smithville Car Cruises
Smithville Village Greene, Smithville, NJ 08205 5-8pm Cruise on down to Smithville and hang out. Drive to the side parking lot of the Village Greene and near the red covered bridge, you will see orange cones set up. Move a cone and park your car.
EVENT LISTINGS
First Saturdays Chesapeake Cars and Coffee Fisherman Village, 3032 Kent Narrow Way S, Grasonville, MD, 21638
9-11am
All makes and models welcome. Speeding, burnouts, and reckless driving not permitted.
First Saturdays April - October
Corvette Club Monthly Car Show & Cruise
Fox Run Shopping Center, Bear, DE 19701
3-6pm
Street rods, classic, antique, race, trucks and motorcycles. Bring whatever you have! No entry fees. Handicap accessible, food, kids, and music. Info: VetteClub.org
2nd & last Saturdays through October 11 Del Rods Cruise Nights
Greentree Shopping Center, Route 8, Dover, DE 19904
5-8pm
Fee, Handicap accessible, food, kids, music, all vehicles welcome, trophies. Sponsored by Hardees.
Info: DelRodsCarClub.org
Third Saturdays April - October Cars & Coffee
Surf Bagel, 204 NE Front St, Milford, DE, 19963
9-11am
Hosted by the Historical Vintage Car Club of Delaware. Join for a casual meet. Hang out, grab a bite, and meet fellow enthusiasts. Info: HVCCDe.com/shows/cruiseins
Last Saturdays through December Caffeine & Chrome
Gateway Classic Cars of Phildadelphia 195 E. 9th Ave., Runnemede, NJ, 08078 9am-noon
Cruise in with your collectible or daily driver, enjoy free pastries and coffee (while supplies last). Open to the public, no admission fee, and family/pet friendly.
Info: Philadelphia@GatewayClassicCars.com
Fifth Saturdays (March 29, May 31, Aug 30) Cruisin’ For Caffeine
March location: First Watch, 145 Grove Ln, Newark, DE, 19711 9am start
Rain or shine. Join BRAACA every month that has a fifth Saturday at different locations. Location suggestions welcome. Info: Braaca.org
First & Third Sunday through November VFW Cruise-In
VFW Post 5118, 355 Glebe Rd, Easton, MD 21601 8-11am
Socialize and connect with other car enthusiasts. All years, makes, models & flavors are welcome. Info: Don 410-463-0542
Cruise-in to the May Cruise-In. Please follow along all season for chances to have fun and win prizes. Each cruiser will get a 2025 Cruisin’ Coin at every event — the more coins you collect, the more chances for prizes this season! Info: info@ccccofeaston.org or CcccOfEaston.org
May 16 (Friday)
Cruise Nite presented by Greenhill Car Wash
890 Middletown Warwick Rd, Middletown DE, 19709 5-9pm
Across from 301 Truck Plaza. Come out and show off your ride while enjoying conversation and good food. Info: CarShows4Nonprofits@gmail.com
May 17 (Saturday)
Cars & Coffee
890 Middletown Warwick Rd, Middletown DE, 19709 10am-2pm
Presented by Dolce Bakery & Coffee Shop and Southern Delaware Street Rod Association. Free to attend. All makes & models welcome. Registration starts at 7:30am$15 per car. Trophies awarded. Dash plaques for the first 75 cars. Benefits Food Bank of Delaware. Info: DolceBakery.com
Hosted by Chesapeake Classic Car Club. Enjoy great cars, people, food & coffee — everything a summer morning should be! Each cruiser will get a FREE 2025 Cruisin’ Coin at every event — the more coins you collect, the more chances for prizes this season! Info: Info@ccccofeaston.org or CcccOfEaston.org
June 7 (Saturday)
Chesapeake Classic Car Club Cruise-In Roberto’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant 8168 Elliot Rd, Ste B, Easton MD, 21663 5-8pm
Cruise-in to the June Cruise-In. In addition to cars & conversation, our Cruise-Ins offer a fresh venue and menu each month. PLUS Each cruiser will get a 2025 Cruisin’ Coin at every event — the more coins you collect, the more chances for prizes this season! Info: Info@ccccofeaston.org or CcccOfEaston.org
SWAP MEET
VENDORS ADMITTED AT 7AM (must be in by 9am)
VENDOR SPACES ARE 12’ x 12’.
VENDORS MUST CALL FIRST!
Pre-Registration Fee is $15 by Oct. 1 $20 at the Show
EVENT LISTINGS
Area SHOWS
Cruising Magazine makes every effort to ensure all listings are correct. However, event listings are subject to change. Please call ahead to avoid a wasted trip. Check www.CruisingMagazine.net for rainout updates. ►
Let’s put Breast Cancer in our “Rear-View Mirrow” Show! First come, first parked ($20 per car)
April 5 (Saturday)
14th Annual Steakouts Car Show
85 Harding Highway, Elmer, NJ 08318 1pm
Registration starts at 10:30am; show starts at 1pm. Pre-registration fee: $10; Day-of fee: $15. First 50 cars get a commemorative dash plate. Live entertainment throughout the day/ night. Enjoy various outdoor amenities such as cornhole, volleyball, giant jenga pool and more. Spectators free.
April 6 (Sunday)
Soul Riders Auto Club’s Car Show
Willey’s Farm, 4092 DuPont Pkwy, Townsend, DE 19734 3-7pm
Handicap Accessible, Food, Kids, Music, Trophies.
Info: 302-998-5951 or Day-of-Show 302-858-3672
April 12 (Saturday)
Del Rods Spring Kick-Off Show
Greentree Plaza, Route 8, Dover, DE 19904
Rain date April 13 10am-2pm
Registration closes at noon. Registration Fee: $15. All makes and models welcome. Profits to benefit local charities. Food Available, Trophies, Door Prizes, DJ. Info: 302-674-5365 & rsludge47@aol.com Delrodscarclub.org
April 13 (Sunday)
Brandywine Region AACA Swap Meet New Garden Township, 299 Starr Road, Landenberg, PA 19350 8am-2pm
Rain or Shine event. Vendor set-up begins at 6am. Automotive related Items. One vendor space is 2 Parking Space (18x18). Spaces assigned upon arrival. Separate Car Spaces/Car Corral $20.
Info: braaca.org
April 23- 27 (Wednesday- Sunday)
Spring Carlisle Collector Car Show & Auction
Carlisle Fairgrounds, 100 Bryn Mawr Road, Carlisle, PA 17013
Wed-Sat: 7am- 6pm, Sunday: 7am-12pm
Presented by Hemmings, this is a must-visit event for automotive enthusiasts. While exploring the grounds and 8,100 vending spaces, you will marvel at one of the largest automotive flea markets in the world. Carlisle is the place to purchase any of the 2,000 vehicles within the car corral and deal directly with the car owner to work out the best price. Spring Carlisle also includes a two-day collector car auction powered by Carlisle Auctions. Info: 717-243-7855 | CarlisleEvents.com
April 19 (Saturday)
2024 Spring Kick-Off Car Show
Chickie & Pete’s, English Creek Shopping Center, 6055 E. Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Rain date May 3
10am-3pm
Sponsored by the South Jersey Mopar Connection. Open to all makes and models of cars and trucks. Registration from 9-11am. Day of show registration fee: $20. DJ, trophies at 2:30 pm, dash plaques to while they last, discount food coupons, door prizes. Info: 609-287-1527
April 26 (Saturday)
17th Annual Classic Car Show
Rain Date April 27
Olde Stone House Village, 208 Egg Harbor Rd, Sewell, NJ 08080 10am-2pm
More than 200 classic cars and 13 trophy classes awarded. Enjoy food, music, basket auction, and historic house tours. Registration begins at 8L30am day of show. Registration fee for vehicles - $10 before April 11, $15 day of show. All proceeds will be used towards Stone House restoration project. Info: 856-981-3096
North Jersey’s largest antique advertising show featuring over 100 vendors from 10 different states. Automobilia, Petroliana, Americana, Old Signs, Advertising, Gas Pumps, License Plates/ Toppers, Old Toys and more.
Info: Chris at 551-404-4046 or MetroPetroShow@gmail.com
April 27 (Sunday)
41st Annual Spring Car Show
Rain date May 5
VFW Post 5118, 355 Glebe Rd, Easton, MD 21601 9am-1pm
Presented by the Chesapeake Classic Car Club. New this year: pinewood derby racing AND a FREE Kid’s Car Show. Share your car, truck, bus, van or project. All makes, models & years welcome. Registration is $10 (onsite only, no pre-registration). Spectators are free. Onsite food sales handled by VFW.
Info: ChesapeakeCarClub.org
April 27 (Sunday)
Wheels of Wayne Car Show North Wayne & West Avenues, Wayne, PA 19087
Rain date May 4
12:30pm-3pm
Enjoy antique, modern, classic, & custom cars, trucks, and motorcycles, along with entertainment, food, and more for the whole family. In cooperation with The Wayne Business Association. Info: Radnor.com/WOW
May 3 (Saturday)
CAR SHOW SPONSORED BY *LILLISTON AUTO GROUP!* 30 + TROPHIES + DASH PLAQUES! REG. 11 A.M. TO 1 P.M. SHOW & JUDGING 1 P.M. AWARDS 4 P.M.
All vehicles welcomed! Reg. fee: $20.
Come Hungry! Food Truck Line Up
Lewes British Motorcar Show
Lewes Ferry Terminal
April 28 (Saturday)
Reach One Teach One Car Show
Delaware State University, 1200 N. Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901
10am-2pm
Star Of The Sea Seafood * 279 Social Kitchen & Smokeology BBQ * Mr. Taco From Sierra Juarez * Cream * Palleschi’s Wood-Fired Pizza * J & F Coffee Concessions
43 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958
11am-3pm (no spectator entry after 2 pm)
Poppin Bob Popcorn * BHS Lemonade Stand & Bake Sale!
Scholarship fundraiser hosted by Living the Dream Corvette Club. All makes and models welcome. Car entry fee: $20. Live DJ, food trucks, vendors, 50/50 raffles, silent auction. More than 80 trophies awarded. Info: 302-547-4647
May 2-4 (Friday-Sunday)
Englishtown Spring Swap Meet & Auto Show
Raceway Park, 230 Pension Rd, Englishtown, NJ 07726
Fri & Sat 7am-6 pm; Sun 7am-4pm
Hundreds of cars, vendors and car parts. Adults $12; kids under 12 free. Free parking, no pets. Saturday & Sunday - any year show vehicle welcome. Car show registration from 8am-12:30pm. Top ten trophies each day. Info: Paul at (732) 446-5154 or Swap@racewaypark.com | RacewayPark.com
FESTIVAL MAJOR SPON SORS
This event is co-sponsored by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and the British Car Club of Delaware and welcomes a wide array of classic British vehicles to Lewes. Show is supported by Southern Delaware Tourism. $5 at the gate. Event concludes with the Winner’s Parade from the terminal to downtown Lewes. Register in advance for entrance in the car show.
Info: 302-645-8073
May 3 (Saturday)
Home Depot Classic Car Show
300 MacDade Blvd, Folsom, PA 19033 11am-3pm
Food trucks, music, and vendors. Trophies award. $20 entry fee for cars, trucks or motorcycles. Registration abegins 10:30am. Free for spectators.
EVENT LISTINGS
May 4 (Sunday)
Soul Riders Auto Club’s Car ShowWomen with classic Cars/Hot Rods Glasgow Park, 2275 Pulaski Hwy, Newark, DE 19702 3-7pm
Hawaiian show featuring women with show cars/hot rods. Food, Kids, Music, Trophies. Info: 302-998-5951 or Day-of-Show 302-858-3672
May 10 (Saturday)
Annual Galloway Classic Car Show
Rain Date May 11
Galloway Township Municipal Complex
300 E. Jim Leeds Road, Galloway, NJ 08205 10am-2pm
Presented by the Galloway Township Historical Society. Trophies, plaques to the first 50 participants, free admission to the public. All classic car owners invited to participate. On-site registration. $5 donation. Info: Jim Thompson 609-338-7574
May 14 (Wednesday)
2023 Draggin Wagons Car, Truck & Bike Show
Honeybrook Gardens, 3940 Horseshoe Pike, Honey Brook, PA 19344
4pm-7pm
$15 vehicle registration at gate. Category plaques awarded and Club President’s Choice, music, 50/50, gift basket raffle, food truck & drinks. All proceeds support local charities in the tri-county area. Please bring a nonperishable food donation. Check Facebook (@DragginWagonsCarClub) for any changes.
May 16 & 17 (Friday & Saturday)
Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals
Carlisle Fairgrounds
100 Bryn Mawr Road, Carlisle, PA 17013 Fri & Sat: 7am-6pm; Sun: 7am-12pm
This exciting event welcomes nearly 2,000 Imported vehicles from around the world as well as domestics, kit cars, motorcycles and trucks, and high-end performance vehicles. Info: 717-243-7855 | CarlisleEvents.com
May 17 (Saturday)
Annual LKQ Car Show
Keystone Automotive, 39 Phoenix Dr, West Deptford, NJ 08086
9am-1:30pm
Top 40 judged show. Judged by the South Jersey Camaro Car Club. $20 per vehicle; no pre-registration. All makes and models, domestic and foreign cars. 50/50, basket auction, free giveaways to all registered vehicles. Food and drink available. Benefits local animal shelters and children in need. Info: Linda: 609-206-9765
May 17 (Saturday)
Chariots of Fire Spring Fling
Classic Auto Mall, 6180 Morgantown Rd, Morgantown, PA 19543
Rain date May 24
10am-3pm
Great variety of all types of vehicles. Car photos, door prizes and great food! Info: Pastor Lawrence Weed 610-322-1622 or pastorweed@hotmail.com chariots-of-fire.org
May 17 (Saturday)
Kent Island Cruisers’ 30th Annual Spring Fling Show
Western Tire & Auto, 1406 Main St, Stevensville, MD 21666
9am-1pm
Top awards by participant ballots, door prizes, 50/50, store specials and more. Registration until 11am; awards begin at 1pm. Must be present to win.
Info: 410-643-5572 or KentIslandCruisers.com
May 17 (Saturday)
Delaware Cops & Rodders Car Show Glasgow Park, 2275 Pulaski Hwy, Newark, DE 19702
9am-2pm
Vehicle entry $15.00 early bird until May 16; $20 after and day-of. Antiques and Hot Rods, Classics, Modified, Police Vehicles and Swat Trucks. Trophies in several categories, spectator favorite, and Best in Show. Free spectator entry; pets with responsible owners are welcome.
Info: JHawkins@TheRGWFoundation.org
May 17 (Saturday)
Street Rollers Show of Shows Wood Lanes, 1173 Route 40, Pilesgrove, NJ 08098
Rain date June 18 10am-1pm
Whatever your passion, bring it and show it off! Hot rods, trucks, vans, jeeps, classics, antiques all are welcomed. Food, swap meet vendors, music trophies. A great way to make new friends.
May 18 (Sunday)
52nd Annual Corvette Show
Milltown American Legion 4 John F. Kennedy Drive, Milltown, NJ 08850 8:30am-3pm
Presented by the Spirits of ’53 Corvette Club. Judging starts at 11am; trophies at 2:30pm. Registration is $25; spectators free. Benefits the Ronald McDonald House. Trophies awarded In these classes: Street Stock, Modified and Full Custom. There will also be awards for paint, engine compartment and Best in Show. Show dash plaques to the first 100 Corvettes registered. Host cars are not included with participant class judging. Info: SpiritsOf53.net
EVENT LISTINGS
May 18 (Sunday)
First State Mustang & Ford Club Spring Show
Aetna Fire Hall, 400 Ogletown Rd, Newark, DE 19711
9am-2pm
This is an all Ford or Ford powered show. Trophies for Top 30, 2 Best of Show, 1 Dealers Choice, and 2 Young Guns (21 and under), Choice. Charity Auction, 50/50. Live DJ rocking the place and food.
Info: FirstStateMustangAndFord.com
May 18 (Sunday)
Classics for Baskets
Summit City Farms and Winery 500 University Blvd., Glassboro, NJ 08028
Rain date June 1
1pm-5pm
Fundraising event for Bolus 341 Inc., a local 501(c)3 supporting newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetic children and their families. Two awards presented: Best in Show and Summit’s Choice. $20 registration, $25 day-of. Car line up begins at noon. Food, wine (visit Summit City Winery web page for wine choices and food menu), and oldies with Lou Costello. All vehicles welcome.
Info: Bolus341@gmail.com
May 18 (Sunday)
28th Annual Ambler Auto Show
Butler Avenue, Ambler, PA 19002
1-6pm
Rain or shine. Registration opens 11am. Over 200 of the finest examples of autos and trucks from yesteryear and today will be on display. Visitors can stroll Butler Avenue, go to the restaurants and shops or grab a bite from one of the local food vendors.You’ll find specials at many of the eateries and shops. The show benefits Ambler Main Street.
Info: AmblerMainStreet.org
May 24 (Saturday)
Brews, Cruise & Crafts
Glasstown Brewing Company 10 Peterson St, Millville, NJ 08332 11am-4pm
Presented by South Jersey Cruisers
Association & Glasstown Brewing Company
Enjoy a car show, music, food trucks, craft beer and craft vendors.
Info: Glasstownbrew.jen@gmail.com or 609-805-1709
EVENT LISTINGS
May 25 (Saturday)
44th Annual Chester County Mustang and Ford Car Show
Rain date May 26
Kimberton Fairgrounds
61 Firehouse Ln, Phoenixville, PA 19460
9am-4pm
Awards for the top vehicles in each class: President’s Award and Kid’s Choice Award. Basket auction. $15 pre-registration; $20 day of show. Handicap accessible, food, kids, music.
Info: TheVFMC.org/Car-Show
May 30 & 31 (Friday & Saturday)
Goodguys Mid-Atlantic Nationals
Dover Motor Speedway, 1131 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901
8am-5pm
Join Goodguys, the world’s largest hotrodding association, for the 2nd Grundy Insurance Mid-Atlantic Nationals presented by R & M Performance at Dover Motor Speedway! Since 1983, The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association hosts legendary classic car shows around the United States each year bringing together Hot Rodder’s of all kinds, families and vintage auto appreciators for weekends of good time.
info: Good-Guys.com/Man-Spectator
June 14 (Saturday)
Annual Cruise Down Memory Lane Rain date June 15
603 E. Landis Ave, Vineland, NJ 08360
5-9pm
Stroll The Avenue, enjoy the show, visit the merchants! Open to all domestic vehicles 1974 and older. Free admission.
Info: Marvin Askins 856-697-6306
June 14 (Saturday)
Street Rollers Show of Shows
SK8 47 Skating & Fun Center, 2608 Delsea Dr, Franklinville, New Jersey 08322 Rain date June 15
10am-1pm
Whatever your passion, bring it and show it off! Hot rods, trucks, vans, jeeps, classics, antiques all are welcomed. Food, swap meet vendors, music, and trophies. A great way to make new friends.
Info: 856-628-7350
June 14 (Saturday)
5th Burning Rubber Car and Bike Show
Alloway Township Municipal Building 45 S. Greenwich St, Alloway, NJ 08001 Rain date June 15
10am-2pm
June 6-8 (Friday- Sunday)
Carlisle Ford Nationals
Carlisle Fairgrounds, 100 Bryn Mawr Road, Carlisle, PA 17013
Fri-Sat: 7am-6pm; Sun: 7am-12pm
The Carlisle Ford Nationals is the largest all-Ford-themed car show in the world. The National Parts Depot Showfield features Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, and Euro Fords and welcomes more than 3,200 show cars and over 55,000 guests worldwide! Ford cars, trucks, and performance products will be onsite, with offerings ranging from installations to special displays. From special guests and displays to activities and competitions, this event has it all!
Info: CarlisleEvents.com
June 8 (Sunday)
Nanticoke Lenni - Lenape Tribal Nation Car Show & Pow Wow
Cumberland County Fairgrounds 3301 Carmel Rd, Millville, NJ 08332 10am-3pm
Registration is from 10 am to 12pm. Entry fee is $15 and includes entry in to the Native American Pow Wow with dancing, drumming, food, crafts and more. Trophies presented at 3 P.M. No Rain date. Proceeds benefit the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation.
Info: Harry Jackson at 856-451-2231
This event is for all year automobiles, trucks and motorcycles. All proceeds benefit the Alloway Township Fire Company. Trophies, vendors, \music, and raffles. Pre-event registration $15, day-of-show $20. Info: Lester Sutton at ATFC@outlook.com
June 14 (Saturday)
Deterding’s 11th Annual Charity Car Show
Deterding’s Supermarket, 506 E. Gibbsboro Rd, Lindenwold, NJ 08021
10am-2pm
Registration opens 9AM. Held in grass lot next to supermarket. Registration fee $25.00 (100% donated to charity). Registration includes one free car show T-shirt and one free lunch.
Info: Bill Deterding 609-870-9648 or Alex Deterding 609-828-2519
June 14 (Saturday)
Annual Delco Cruisers Spring Car Show Rose Tree Park, 1671 Providence Rd, Media, PA 19063
Rain date June 21 10am-2pm
Join one of the largest car shows in the area at a great facility with food vendors and one of the best car show DJs in the area. Entry fee $20. Info: 610-329-2860 or Socref6211@aol.com
* Shows after June 14 will appear in the next print edition. View the full list of shows online at CruisingMagazine.net.
SHIFTIN’ GEARS
By Ben Notaro • red63vetnj@comcast.net
First, I want to extend to everyone my usual belated greetings for a most healthy and bountiful new year. Perhaps it’s just me, but winter seemed longer than usual this year. It also seemed colder. I guess getting older doesn’t help in my evaluation.
Well, looking at the year that was, we saw many events in various locations and with themes from cruises to new shows as well cars-and-coffee gatherings. From my perspective, the new year will see more of the same and that means a great variety of car fun for cruisers.
I also look at 2025 as a year of “I told you so” from this prognosticator. My predictions of the over-the-top electric vehicle craze from last year had a good deal of validity. It seemed like every car company and every vehicle commercial on television was about the cars of the future — the EV. So, it seems reality checked in and the car manufacturers realized, the hard way, that the public was not ready to abandon their dinosaur juice rides for electric rides.
The new year also sees the return of the internal combustion engine to Mopar. It was in car limbo, but the tides returned in the favor of power by petrol.
Moving on to events that are being promoted for the upcoming season, I see the return of the incomplete flyer falling across my desk. I’ve sung this song before but please have someone check your flyer for pertinent information — make sure it includes a contact number and location. I know email addresses are very popular, but not everyone uses email.
As the new year slowly moves along, I think of the offerings of the big three American car manufacturers. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler seem to have a limited number of super cars for the performance aficionados. GM kills the Camaro but does leave us with the Corvette (alas out of my price range). Ford had the conventional wisdom to keep the legendary Mustang. I do mean the REAL Mustang, not the electric pony badge SUV. Chrysler is revamping its line with a roster of rides with real gas engines. Good news for the lucky Mopar guys and gals. I say lucky for the MOPAR team because I really believe us old and young cruisers still long for the ride that is a real car — not a glorified station wagon.
So, as I sit here at my computer waiting for the spring weather to fully descend upon us, I think about things in our hobby that were as well as could be — and in some cases, used to be.
In summation I can say that we in the old and classic/cool car community are keeping the flame burning with respect to a time when cars were unique and had a personality that reflected each manufacturer’s take on car cool.
Department of Energy: Looks like gasoline prices are slowly going down.
Department of Homeland Manufacturing: Dear domestic car manufacturers, please bring out more passenger cars that have performance.
Department of the Interior: Display screens in cars are getting larger — and they laughed at the Batmobile dashboard.
The Endless Summer of 2025 is now in full gear. Enjoy, and I bid you all a million miles of cruisin’ smiles.
Since the 1960s, J.C. Taylor Insurance has been America’s premier specialty insurance provider for classic cars, antique autos, modified and vintage vehicles. Call to protect your piece of automotive history today.
