NORWICH – The long Memorial Day weekend of course means a time to honor those who have served, but it also ushers in the traditional start of the summer season with barbecues, parades and two annual automobile spectacles set to kick-off Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Thousands of automobile enthusiasts and classic car buffs are expected to turn out to the Chenango County Fairgrounds this weekend as the 48th annual Rolling Antiquers Auto Show and Flea Market takes to the field east of the fairgrounds grandstand. This is a chance for car lovers to show off their pride and joy, or shop for that one-of-a-kind car part needed to transform their vintage jalopy into an artful delicacy on wheels.
The two-day event kicks-off with a modified car and hot rod show on Saturday and continues with the antique and collectable car show on Sunday. Gates are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, with a $5 admission fee per individual; $10 to enter a vehicle. As per Antique Automobile Club regulations, no vehicle built post 1988 will be eligible to register for Sunday’s show. Car buffs can register their vehicle any time during the event both days.
“There’s a lot to look at, no question about that,” said Rolling Antiquers President Sewain Conklin, noting more than 40 different classes of cars that will be recognized, and a total 150 trophies that will be awarded between Saturday and Sunday, including best of show for both days.
The exhibition - one of the largest car shows in the northeast, Conklin pointed out - has certainly grown in popularity over the years.
“We really have been able to increase participation for people who own cars, crafts and auto parts throughout the years and that’s what makes this such a great event,” he said. The organization is already gearing up for its 50th anniversary in just a couple years, he added. “We try to do things better and smarter every year so we can put on a better show.”
This year’s show also includes various food vendors, and features a display of working antique engines and old military tucks and equipment - a Rolling Antiquers Memorial Day tribute to service men and women.
Conklin said he expects more than 10,000 people to visit the fairgrounds this weekend to admire more than 1,000 vehicles, weather permitting.
While there’s certainly a lot for car lovers to look forward to this weekend, they don’t have to wait to show off their ride. The Rolling Antiquers show is preluded by the free annual Memorial Day Cruise-In, hosted by the Norwich Business Improvement District and the Norwich Merchants Association, which takes to the grounds of East Side Park in downtown Norwich at 6 p.m. tonight.
Said BID Administrator Ann Coe, “The annual Cruise-In is a great way to kick-off the Memorial Day weekend and a good reason to come downtown and enjoy our beautiful parks. Car buffs get to showcase their prized vehicles while enthusiasts can come see restored cars and other vehicles of interest. A free event with no judging, just a fun time for all.”
All participants are entered into a drawing to win prizes that will take place at 7 p.m., Coe added. The show is made possible with additional sponsorship from Service Pharmacy, Nina’s Restaurant, Christman Motor Sales, The Evening Sun, and the Norwich Pennysaver; and features music from Rockstar DJ Service from 6 to 8 p.m.
“This really is a very relaxing way to start out the Memorial Day weekend,” added Anna McLaughlin, president of the Norwich Merchants Association. “It’s relaxed, with no judging, and a great opportunity for people to dine at one of our local restaurants while they’re out.”
Additional information about the Rolling Antiquers Old Car Club can be found online at raocc.org. And anyone wishing to volunteer for Friday’s BID and Norwich Merchants Association Cruise-In can contact the BID at 336-1811 or email bid@frontiernet.net.