Rolling Antiquers host biggest classic auto show of the year this weekend
NORWICH – The largest classic automobile show in the northeast region will take place at the Fairgrounds in the City of Norwich this weekend.
The 54th annual Rolling Antiquers Auto Show and Flea Market will roll into town for Memorial Day weekend, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the County Fairgrounds, along East Main St., in Norwich.
The spectacle draws thousands of spectators and dozens of venders as hundreds of drivers show off their rides and compete for a variety of awards.
In fair weather the event typically attracts 8,000 to 10,000 from across the nation, said Rolling Antiquers Old Car Club President Alan Strong.
Strong said in past years and in good weather as many as 500 drivers could be participating in the show each day, and in the worst he's seen 80 in the pouring rain.
“It sometimes depends on the weather, but rain or shine the show will go on,” said Strong.
“People participate in the show because they like being able to show what they drive or worked on and they enjoy the like-minded appreciation for the cars, the people. They also like to win the trophies and brag a little, some are very competitive. People are proud of their vehicles,” he said.
The event, which has not lost its shine over the years, has become so popular it is seen as an institution by local car enthusiasts.
The show includes antique and muscle cars, military vehicles, street rods, hot rods, motorcycles, and antique engines. A military convey will pass through town Friday afternoon on its way to the show.
Muscle cars, motorcycles, sports cars and hot rods will be featured on Saturday, and antique and classic cars and trucks on Sunday.
There will be a wide variety of antique, craft, food and collectible vendors on hand.
Strong said show's attendees were also patrons of local business during the weekend. He said the show helped local hotels, restaurants and shops.
“Locally we have always hoped it was a boost and that is what we have been told. It is a wonderful opportunity for our area's communities all around,” said Strong.
It takes a large number of volunteers to put on the popular show year after year, including the Norwich Police Department and EMS services, the volunteer judges and the members of the Rolling Antiquers Old Car Club. The Chenango County Sheriff’s Department also helps with the event.
The event had significant help from BOCES student volunteers this year, said Strong. He said the students made a great impact and helped to keep the event fresh with new ideas.
“Basically the students did a lot of dirty work for the show and we wanted to boost interest in the event by young people. We talked and we listened to them. We had them hold a t-shirt design contest for our club and I'm sure there will be people wearing them this weekend,” said Strong.
Strong said all the cars at the show were required to be drivable and had to be driven past the registration tent and run for a period of time in order to enter the contests.
A significant side draw of the event is the collection of classic car-part venders who attend. Many are looking to sell or swap and find something specific to complete a classic restoration.
“This is no computer. You can see the part. You can pick it up and hold it in your hand,” said Strong,
“There is a value you don't get unless you're there to see it yourself,” he said.
As in the past, shuttle bus transportation to and from the fairgrounds will be provided by First Transit, and parking will be available at the Norwich High School with continuous service all day long.
Admission into the Rolling Antiquers Auto Show and Flea Market is $5 and free for children 12 and under.
Drive-In registrations, will be $15 per show vehicle. The registration fee includes two adult admissions.
For more information call 336-1888 or visit www.local.aaca.org/raocc.
Pictured: The 54th annual Rolling Antiquers Auto Show and Flea Market will roll into town for Memorial Day weekend, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the County Fairgrounds, along East Main St., in Norwich. (Submitted photo)
The 54th annual Rolling Antiquers Auto Show and Flea Market will roll into town for Memorial Day weekend, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the County Fairgrounds, along East Main St., in Norwich.
The spectacle draws thousands of spectators and dozens of venders as hundreds of drivers show off their rides and compete for a variety of awards.
In fair weather the event typically attracts 8,000 to 10,000 from across the nation, said Rolling Antiquers Old Car Club President Alan Strong.
Strong said in past years and in good weather as many as 500 drivers could be participating in the show each day, and in the worst he's seen 80 in the pouring rain.
“It sometimes depends on the weather, but rain or shine the show will go on,” said Strong.
“People participate in the show because they like being able to show what they drive or worked on and they enjoy the like-minded appreciation for the cars, the people. They also like to win the trophies and brag a little, some are very competitive. People are proud of their vehicles,” he said.
The event, which has not lost its shine over the years, has become so popular it is seen as an institution by local car enthusiasts.
The show includes antique and muscle cars, military vehicles, street rods, hot rods, motorcycles, and antique engines. A military convey will pass through town Friday afternoon on its way to the show.
Muscle cars, motorcycles, sports cars and hot rods will be featured on Saturday, and antique and classic cars and trucks on Sunday.
There will be a wide variety of antique, craft, food and collectible vendors on hand.
Strong said show's attendees were also patrons of local business during the weekend. He said the show helped local hotels, restaurants and shops.
“Locally we have always hoped it was a boost and that is what we have been told. It is a wonderful opportunity for our area's communities all around,” said Strong.
It takes a large number of volunteers to put on the popular show year after year, including the Norwich Police Department and EMS services, the volunteer judges and the members of the Rolling Antiquers Old Car Club. The Chenango County Sheriff’s Department also helps with the event.
The event had significant help from BOCES student volunteers this year, said Strong. He said the students made a great impact and helped to keep the event fresh with new ideas.
“Basically the students did a lot of dirty work for the show and we wanted to boost interest in the event by young people. We talked and we listened to them. We had them hold a t-shirt design contest for our club and I'm sure there will be people wearing them this weekend,” said Strong.
Strong said all the cars at the show were required to be drivable and had to be driven past the registration tent and run for a period of time in order to enter the contests.
A significant side draw of the event is the collection of classic car-part venders who attend. Many are looking to sell or swap and find something specific to complete a classic restoration.
“This is no computer. You can see the part. You can pick it up and hold it in your hand,” said Strong,
“There is a value you don't get unless you're there to see it yourself,” he said.
As in the past, shuttle bus transportation to and from the fairgrounds will be provided by First Transit, and parking will be available at the Norwich High School with continuous service all day long.
Admission into the Rolling Antiquers Auto Show and Flea Market is $5 and free for children 12 and under.
Drive-In registrations, will be $15 per show vehicle. The registration fee includes two adult admissions.
For more information call 336-1888 or visit www.local.aaca.org/raocc.
Pictured: The 54th annual Rolling Antiquers Auto Show and Flea Market will roll into town for Memorial Day weekend, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the County Fairgrounds, along East Main St., in Norwich. (Submitted photo)
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