MUNCY – Open to the public and held for twelve consecutive years, the American Legion Post 268 registered 140 cars this year for their annual car show. The event is held to raise funds for all veterans. Throughout the day, Saturday August 4, 300 people were able to view the pristine models from all eras. There were 25 categories to choose from for the coveted ‘People’s Choice Award’ starting with antiques, classics dating from the 40’s to the 80’s, muscle cars, Mustangs, Camaros, Corvettes, Jeeps, some imports, trucks and motorcycles and a few of “Special Interest.” This is a class limited to military, emergency and farm vehicles. It could also include race vehicles, peddle cars and lawn tractors.

Last year the event was rained out, but the year before, 160 cars were registered according to main organizer, Ken Lowe. The first one was held in 2002 after Bucky Miller and Sue Lowe decided to have a car show. Husband to Sue, Ken Lowe readily agreed. “It has grown since,” he said. With the help of twenty committed volunteers, the American Legion has raised thousands of dollars to help the military and their families as stated by Commander Shane Youmans. “We start planning this in January,” he said. Local businesses help as sponsors and free doughnuts and beverages are given out to all the registrants.

Most of the entries were from Lycoming County but some were from out of state. Lowe said, “We have one from Delaware and Washington.” Voting took place from noon to 3 p.m. and awards were presented shortly afterwards. A ballot count submitted and judged by peer contestants chose a 1934 Cadillac LaSalle owned by Mike Smith from Montoursville. The second biggest award, Commanders Choice, was a 1970 Camaro that belongs to Jeff and Robyn Thomas of Williamsport. First, second and third place trophies were given out for each class. “But they couldn’t vote in their own class,” Commander Youmans said.

Assisted by the Sons of American Legion and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, registration took place from nine a.m. to noon. A silent auction, vendors and flea market items were also available. Ken Lowe was facilitator and announced door prizes while playing songs from his DJ system set outdoors under a tent where he kept an eye on the collection of trophies that rested across from the ballot box. Donated door prizes from hats and t-shirts, mugs and racing items were handed out every 15 minute by Lowe.

During the show a pig roast lured visitors to the five acre property owned by the Muncy American Legion Post 268. Starting at 8 a.m. members Frank Bower and Jeff Allegrucci prepared fresh pork shoulder loins over an open charcoaled fire pit for barbecued pork rib sandwiches, and began serving to the public around 4 p.m. just before a fast moving cloudburst emerged. Fortunately all winners were announced and trophies awarded to the various classes before the hard rain spit onto the ground.