Rolling Antiquers bring car show to Norwich this weekend
NORWICH – Around a 1,000 classic cars and hot rods from across the country are expected to enter the 43rd Annual Antique Auto Show and Flea Market this weekend, organizers say.
“The pre-registration numbers are already up over last year,” said Sewain Conklin, Vice President of The Rolling Antiquers Old Car Club, the group that sponsors and organizes the event.
Muscle cars and Hot Rods will be shown Saturday. Classic and antique cars are on Sunday. In all, there are 58 judging classes and over 175 trophies will be awarded. So far 640 cars in both categories have pre-registered, said Rolling Antiquers President Ed Soyke. He expects registrations the day of to push them over 1,000.
“We should have 500 cars each day,” Soyke said.
Gates are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. rain or shine both days. Admission is $5 per person. Free shuttle buses will also be transporting spectators to the fairgrounds from free parking sites available throughout the City of Norwich.
The car show, held each Memorial Day weekend at the Chenango County Fairgrounds in Norwich since 1965, usually draws 10,000 spectators each day. It’s by far the biggest in Central New York, and believed to be the third largest state-wide.
“There’s a lot to see,” said Conklin, who prides the show as a near-perfect family event for its historical, educational and entertainment value. “There’s something for everyone. That’s what keeps people coming back.”
As times and interests have changed, the show has opened up new categories for more contemporary rides, like Low-riders and street cars.
“We really try each year to catch up with these groups that have newer interests,” said Conklin. “The demographics are changing.”
One group that’s made an impression of late have been “Rat Rod” enthusiasts, who now have their own judging class. What’s a Rat Rod? It’s basically a hot rod-in-progress, Conklin explained.
“People put their heart and souls into these cars,” he said. “They just might not be able to afford the fancy paint job, so you’ll see these cars in just primer. But they’ve still got the Hot Rod parts and the Hot Rod engines.”
The car show flea market is also a popular attraction, Soyke said, featuring over 130 antique dealers and 300 car parts vendors.
“It’s one of the biggest show for people looking for car parts in New York state,” added Soyke.
A military vehicle display will be set-up in the fairgrounds south field.
The club also brought back several popular barbecue and American-style food vendors from last year’s show. Nina’s Restaurant in Norwich also purchased a permanent booth at the fairgrounds, and will make its outdoor grand-opening this weekend.
A van from the radio station WAAL in Binghamton will be broadcasting shows live from the fairgrounds both days.
Judging starts both days at noon. It’s $10 to register a vehicle. Show gates open at 8 a.m. and close when the field is full.
“The pre-registration numbers are already up over last year,” said Sewain Conklin, Vice President of The Rolling Antiquers Old Car Club, the group that sponsors and organizes the event.
Muscle cars and Hot Rods will be shown Saturday. Classic and antique cars are on Sunday. In all, there are 58 judging classes and over 175 trophies will be awarded. So far 640 cars in both categories have pre-registered, said Rolling Antiquers President Ed Soyke. He expects registrations the day of to push them over 1,000.
“We should have 500 cars each day,” Soyke said.
Gates are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. rain or shine both days. Admission is $5 per person. Free shuttle buses will also be transporting spectators to the fairgrounds from free parking sites available throughout the City of Norwich.
The car show, held each Memorial Day weekend at the Chenango County Fairgrounds in Norwich since 1965, usually draws 10,000 spectators each day. It’s by far the biggest in Central New York, and believed to be the third largest state-wide.
“There’s a lot to see,” said Conklin, who prides the show as a near-perfect family event for its historical, educational and entertainment value. “There’s something for everyone. That’s what keeps people coming back.”
As times and interests have changed, the show has opened up new categories for more contemporary rides, like Low-riders and street cars.
“We really try each year to catch up with these groups that have newer interests,” said Conklin. “The demographics are changing.”
One group that’s made an impression of late have been “Rat Rod” enthusiasts, who now have their own judging class. What’s a Rat Rod? It’s basically a hot rod-in-progress, Conklin explained.
“People put their heart and souls into these cars,” he said. “They just might not be able to afford the fancy paint job, so you’ll see these cars in just primer. But they’ve still got the Hot Rod parts and the Hot Rod engines.”
The car show flea market is also a popular attraction, Soyke said, featuring over 130 antique dealers and 300 car parts vendors.
“It’s one of the biggest show for people looking for car parts in New York state,” added Soyke.
A military vehicle display will be set-up in the fairgrounds south field.
The club also brought back several popular barbecue and American-style food vendors from last year’s show. Nina’s Restaurant in Norwich also purchased a permanent booth at the fairgrounds, and will make its outdoor grand-opening this weekend.
A van from the radio station WAAL in Binghamton will be broadcasting shows live from the fairgrounds both days.
Judging starts both days at noon. It’s $10 to register a vehicle. Show gates open at 8 a.m. and close when the field is full.
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