The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

National Chrysler club to meet at Carillon Park

Ohio’s abundance of water parks makes it easy to melt away your cares
5/25/12
Taste of Cincinnati expected to draw 500,000 people
5/24/12
How discount program is helping arts, patrons
5/22/12
Local ingredients key for bartender
5/16/12
Health clubs giving lifestyle campaign a rigorous workout
5/16/12
> More headlines

Jack Eeles, who made the trip to Dayton from Toronto, Ontario, cleans his 1939 Chrysler Royal on Thursday, July 1. Chrysler owners are arriving for the 41st Annual Walter P. Chrysler National Meet being held at Carillon Historical Park over the holiday weekend. Staff photo by Chris Stewart

Chris Stewart/Staff Jack Eeles, who made the trip to Dayton from Toronto, Ontario, cleans his 1939 Chrysler Royal on Thursday, July 1. Chrysler owners are arriving for the 41st Annual Walter P. Chrysler National Meet being held at Carillon Historical Park over the holiday weekend. Staff photo by Chris Stewart

Saturday marks the 41st Annual Meet of the national club, which is free for all to attend.

By Anthony Gottschlich, Staff Writer Updated 11:06 PM Thursday, July 1, 2010

DAYTON — Chrysler fans, motorheads and people who like big fins on cars: this Saturday’s for you.

Around 100 Chrysler-made cars and trucks from the early 20th century to modern times will be on display Saturday, July 3, at Carillon Historical Park for the 41st Annual Meet of the national Walter P. Chrysler Club.

Featured vehicles include vintage New Yorkers, Imperials and DeSotos, as well as Dodge Challengers, Plymouth Barracudas and Chrysler 300s, cars that were made when gasoline had lead and there was no such thing as catalytic converters.

Asked why the club is meeting in Dayton this year, organizer Barbara Meilander said it was due to the recruiting efforts of the Dayton/Montgomery County Convention & Visitors Bureau, which starting calling her two years ago.

“That is by far the only reason we are here; that is the honest-to-God’s truth,” Meilander said.

Meilander, who lives in the Cleveland area, was impressed when she saw what Dayton had to offer, however, especially Carillon Park.

“I think it is absolutely fantastic,” she said. “I’ve had nothing but compliments (from club members) saying it’s the best place we’ve had for a car show in the last 10 years.”

The club met in Sacramento, Calif., last year.

Jacquelyn Powell, president of the visitors bureau, said 150 club members from around the country are expected for the meet, which kicked off Wednesday and includes site-seeing trips to the Packard museum downtown and the U.S. Air Force Museum. Powell estimated the economic impact at around $50,000.

Meilander said the cars and club members will gather in the grassy field near the park entrance from roughly 9 a.m. to  3 p.m. Admission is free.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7408 or agottschlich@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Share this article