WESTFIELD – At its core – the Westfield Cruisers annual auto show in the city is about raising funds to assist local charities – and host a family fun day.
Now in its 11th year, the “Wheels & Whiskers” car show has changed focus and is now the Veterans Classic Auto Show, with proceeds this year to benefit Homeward Vets, Inc., a nonprofit organization committed to filling a soldier’s home, according to Julie Leavitt, co-chair of the event. Gary Francis, founder of the Westfield Cruisers, chairs the annual show.
Julie Leavitt is co-chairing the Veterans Classic Auto Show which will feature a raffle with prizes geared toward all ages.
“The Westfield Cruisers have been organizing benefit car shows for over 10 years now and this year’s show will benefit Homeward Vets, Inc., dedicating to finding and furnishing homes for homeless veterans in our area,” said Leavitt.
The annual event is planned July 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Westfield Fairgrounds, 129 Russellville Road. In the event of rain, a new date will be posted on the Westfield Cruisers website – www.westfieldcruise.com.
“We will be collecting monetary donations and gift cards for Homeward Vets, Inc.,” said Leavitt, adding that a representative is also expected to have a booth at the show to answer questions about the organization. “We especially welcome gift cards from businesses that sell basic housewares as well as groceries.”
Leavitt noted that in recent years, close to 130 classic autos have been displayed during the annual show.
“From new Chargers and Camaros to custom street rods and original classics, the show features something for everyone,” said Leavitt. “We always have a broad range of vehicles and many repeat entrants.”
The cost to show a car is $10 and a spectator admission fee is $3 per car. For crafters and vendors interested in renting a space for the day, the cost is $10 with a deadline of July 22 to sign up.
“For many of the car owners they only bring out their ‘baby’ for special occasions,” said Leavitt. “The love and care that goes into these cars is evident.”
While walking the grounds and talking with the car owners, there will also be a host of ongoing events throughout the day, including a free Child Safety ID Program offered by the Westfield Police Department.
“Police will photograph and fingerprint a child and give the identification kit to the parents,” said Leavitt.
Francis will also serve as disc jockey for the day – keeping the music lively and entertaining for all ages.
Activities for children will include the Shriner clowns sculpting and creating balloon animals and a table for arts and crafts.
Vendors will also be on hand during the day offering a wide variety of food fare to satisfy everyone’s appetite including Moe’s Donuts, Ed’s French Fries, and Cam’s Kitchen. Sweet treats for the event will also include freshly squeezed lemonade, snow cones and cotton candy.
Car show entrants will also be in the running for a new award this year – a “Spectator Choice Award” – among 25 awards given out that are sponsored by area businesses.
Of course, a charity event wouldn’t be complete if it didn’t have raffles – and Leavitt is pleased with the raffle donations to date.
“We are still looking for donations and we already have gift baskets that include an activity basket for kids and an Americana basket,” said Leavitt.
Show sponsors are also still needed and the deadline to sign up with Leavitt is July 22. Sponsor levels range from bronze at $50, to silver at $100, gold at $250, and platinum for $500+. Award sponsors at $30 each are limited to the first 25 responses.
“It’s because of the support of the businesses in our community that we continue to have success with our shows,” said Leavitt.
For persons or businesses interested in more information about the event, contact Leavitt at (413) 454-5371.
“We put on a really great family fun day,” said Leavitt, who noted she has been assisting Francis and his volunteers since the first fundraisers when they were conducted at Mestek Field on North Elm Street. “The response to our show is always so positive. I also love being part of something that is helping the community.”
