WESTFIELD-Don Prifti is passionate about trucks.
“The love of my life is trucks,” said Prifti on Monday afternoon in his office at Prifti Motors on College Highway in Southwick.
From his early days of watching his father, Nuchi Prifti, sell Dodge cars in Southwick in the 1940’s and 50’s to the start of his own towing business which includes repairing trucks, Prifti has always relished helping others solve problems with their vehicles.
“I have no plans to retire,” he said.
When Prifti isn’t chatting with customers in his office while their trucks are being diagnosed and repaired, he is on the phone these days lining up sponsors, vendors and participants for the 13th annual Truck Show, sponsored by the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the American Truck Historical Society (ATHS). The show is slated Oct. 9 at the Patriot Freightliner Western Star, 910 Southampton Road, Westfield.
Prifti has served as president of the local ATHS chapter for the last six years.
Don Prifti is coordinating logistics for the 13th annual Truck Show sponsored by the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the American Truck Historical Society. Prifti is hoping to recruit area residents to showcase their old/antique trucks and pickups. He is seen here with his 1961 International B210 Holmes W35 wrecker.
“The chapter needed a sparkplug,” said Prifti, noting his goal has been to revive the chapter’s presence and to introduce the organization to a younger generation.
Incorporated in 1971, the ATHS was formed to preserve the history of trucks, the trucking industry, and its pioneers. Since its founding, the ATHS has grown to be international in scope. Currently, ATHS has members in every state as well as in 23 countries.
For the fall show, Prifti is welcoming area residents to consider showcasing their old/antique trucks and pickups for $5 per vehicle. A vehicle that is 25 years or older is considered an antique.
“As is, rusty or restored, it doesn’t matter,” said Prifti.
Since May, Prifti and his friends have been making the rounds at other ATHS chapter shows in the region to get ideas and meet with fellow truck enthusiasts.
“New blood is needed to ensure the chapter and these shows live on,” he said.
The 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. event will also welcome vendors who sell truck-related merchandise, ranging from tools, accessories and tires to toy trucks and wooden trucks. Vendor space is $20 for the day.
At last year’s show Prifti noted there were approximately 75 trucks on display and his hope is there will be at least 100 trucks on view this fall. He also expects to have several of his old wreckers on display.
“Having 100 trucks is a good stepping stone,” he said.
In lieu of an entrance fee, persons attending the show will be asked to donate dry goods to benefit the Westfield Food Pantry. Uncle Benny’s Food Truck of Ludlow will be serving breakfast and lunch and music will be provided by a local disc jockey. Throughout the day there will be opportunities to purchase chapter T-shirts and hats, win door prizes, and participate in a 50/50 raffle.
“Contributions will also be accepted for the Massachusetts State Police Museum in Grafton,” said Prifti.
For more information on participating in the show, contact Prifti at (413) 569-3666.
“I encourage families to come out and be a part of the nostalgia of the American way of life,” said Prifti.
