WESTFIELD-Show cars from classics, antiques and of special interest will grace the Westfield Fairgrounds as the Westfield Cruisers hosts its third annual Veterans Classic Auto Show July 27.
Proceeds raised from the 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. event at 129 Russellville Road will benefit the Warrior’s Art Room in Westfield, a nonprofit organization that provides area veterans and their families a place to express themselves through art.
Gary Francis and Julie Leavitt review logistics for the July 27 Veterans Classic Auto Show.
“The Westfield Cruisers have been organizing benefit car shows for over 10 years now and this year’s show will once again benefit the Warrior’s Art Room,” said Julie Leavitt, co-chair of the event. Leavitt is sharing logistics duties with Gary Francis who developed cruise night events at Stanley Park beginning in 1999.
“The cruise nights are very casual and over the years evolved into shows,” said Francis.
Leavitt noted that last year the Warrior’s Art Room was presented with a check for $3,400 from proceeds raised through the car show.
“We, of course, would love to be able to surpass that amount this year, and I’d say a goal of $5,000 should be within reach, with the help of area businesses and those who attend the show,” said Leavitt.
Francis, who will also serve as disc jockey for the event, will spin tunes as part of his “Back in Time” repertoire that includes classic hits from the 1950s to the 1970s as well as country tunes.
“Gary will be playing the songs that everyone knows and loves,” said Leavitt.
A new feature of the event this year is a Walk of Pride that will showcase area organizations that provide valuable programs and services for veterans and their families.
“We know how important it is for the veterans in our area to have as much access to any and all groups that can provide the assistance they may need,” said Leavitt, adding there is no fee for a local organization to share their information.
Organizations that wish to participate are asked to contact Leavitt at (413) 454-5371 or via email to [email protected] to sign up.
“Pre-registration is required for organizations and we ask that you do not solicit donations during this event,” said Leavitt.
Vendor spaces are once again being offered for $15 and new this year is an artist section.
Crafters who make their own products are also encouraged to reserve a vendor space.
Awards are also a popular feature of the event and include the “Top 20,” as well as a “spectator choice,” “veteran choice,” and “best in show.” Awards take into consideration “originality, attention to detail, a rare vehicle not seen before at the show, and original restoration,” noted Francis.
“We also have a new award, the Tom Decker Memorial Award, since he was a longtime member of the Westfield Cruisers and was a supporter of all of our events,” said Francis, noting Decker passed away in December.
The cost to show a car is $10 and spectator admission is $3 per car.
Other highlights of the day include the Westfield Police Child Safety ID Program being offered free from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., the Home Depot kids’ crafts area, Cam’s Kitchen providing breakfast and lunch specialties, a 50/50 raffle, and a host of raffle prizes to win donated by area businesses.
“We have also planned a fun ‘show me’ raffle,” said Leavitt, noting throughout the day people will be asked to show a host of different items and the first person showing an item will win a prize.
Businesses and organizations wishing to donate an item in the form of merchandise, gift cards or certificates, a monetary donation or show sponsorship are asked to contact Leavitt for more details.
“It’s because of the support of businesses in our community that we continue to have success with our car shows,” said Leavitt.
Francis is hopeful that between business participation, vendors and organizations sharing vital information for veterans, the day will be another resounding success.
“No veteran who has served our country should have to be without a place to live, medical care, emotional support or the respect of those they swore to protect,” said Francis.
Steve Jones, who directs the Warrior’s Art Room, shared a similar sentiment.
“It is encouraging that the community is getting behind what we are doing for the veterans through the creation of art,” said Jones, adding that a host of volunteers on behalf of the Warrior’s Art Room will also have an informational booth to share information.
“We will also be parking cars and selling raffle tickets to ensure that the show is once again a success and fun for everyone,” said Jones.
