Over 100 antiques, hot rods, and muscle cars are expected to be on display at this year’s event. (Submitted photo)
WESTFIELD – August 10 promises to be a big day for automobile and animal enthusiasts alike, as the 8th Annual “Wheels & Whiskers” Benefit Car Show will be in full swing from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Westfield’s Mestek Field.
Put on by The Westfield Cruisers, scores of cars, ranging from classic antiques and hot rods to muscle cars, will pack the field, vying to win best in show at what has become one of the largest car shows in the region.
“Last year, I think we were in excess of 125 (cars),” said event coordinator Gary Francis of the Westfield Cruisers. “It was a stellar year. Of course, when Mother Nature puts on the perfect picture for you, everyone comes out and plays.”
“Wheels & Whiskers” is far more than just an opportunity for folks to show off their fancy rides. Put on for almost a decade, the event is dedicated in memory of Ann Grzebien, the mother of one of Francis’ friends, Kenny Grzebien, a fellow car enthusiast.
Classic cars will be vying for best in show at the 8th annual Wheels and Whiskers Car Show at Mestek Field August 10. (Submitted photo)
“She was an animal lover, and when she passed away, in her obituary, I had read that,” said Francis. “So I asked her son ‘why don’t we do a car show in memory of your mother and donate it to a local animal care shelters?'”
For the past few years, the Cruisers have donated the proceeds of the event to the Westfield Homeless Cat Project, a group which Francis credits with helping the show run.
“The show would not run without all of their volunteers. We incorporate them into the show to make it run,” he said. “It takes an awful lot of people the day of the show, and quite a few in advance, to produce it.”
Francis said that the Cruisers were able to raise over $4,000 last year for the WHCP.
In addition to the car show, spectators can browse a large tag sale, enjoy food from local vendors, groove to oldies music, and participate in Chinese and 50/50 raffles which will be going on throughout the day.
“We do quite a production. It’s well received by everyone who participates, and that’s why we’re able to continue,” said Francis.
The Westfield Police Department will also be conducting it’s Child Safety ID program from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., along with a host of other children’s activities, a free kids raffle, and more. Pets are welcome, but must be leashed and controlled.
Admission is free for spectators, and a $10 donation per show car. Donations of canned cat food are appreciated. In case of rain, a new date will be announced. For further information call Gary Francis at (413) 562-1346.
