The event’s 27th installment included live entertainment, plus a climbing wall and inflatables for children.
“We’ve been very fortunate to have this be one of the largest fundraisers that Antioch (Shriners of Dayton) has,” Augsberger said. “We’re one of the larger contributors to the hospitals from this area. ”
The car show offers not only camaraderie, but the opportunity for automobile owners to network about hard-to-find parts and the chance to boost their vehicle’s value by earning an award, Augsberger said.
Earl Simpson, 91, of Middletown, brought a 1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 Convertible and 1968 Oldsmobile 440 Convertible, both of which he purchased in 1972. While he attends Oldsmobile shows around the region, he has a special place in his heart for the Shriners’ car show, which he’s attended every year since it started in 1986.
“It’s wonderful,” said Simpson, “It’s a large show with all kinds of cars and all kinds of people. You see things here that are (from) memory lane, things you saw when you were young.”
Count cruise-ins as car shows and Chuck Holland of Middletown attends about three a week. Holland, who showed off a sparkling blue 1954 Buick Riviera, said he likes the event because the proceeds go to a good cause.
“I wouldn’t come here otherwise,” he said. “I’ve got plenty of trophies. I don’t need no more trophies. You want your car to be looked at anyway. That’s the reason we build these cars, is for people to look at them.”
Tim Carter, president of Middletown Antioch Shrine Club, said he was proud to be a part of the event.
“Most of these people her are my friends, and we’re all brother Masons and Shriners,” Carter said. “Just to have them give up a day to come out and bring a car and make a donation to help a kid … it’s very, very special.”
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