By TOM LAVIS
TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM
People may be pulling the plugs on swimming pools, but summer isn’t over until car buffs motor to the 12th annual Last Blast O’ Summer Cars, Trucks and Bikes Cruise-In.
The event, sponsored by the Cover Hill Auto Club, will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Conemaugh Valley Elementary School, 1451 Frankstown Road, Johnstown.
George Cveykus, auto club spokesman, said the event continues to grow in popularity since the first show, which featured 25 vehicles.
“This is our 12th year, and we anticipate more than 400 vehicles if the weather is agreeable,” Cveykus said. “We are not an official car club but just a bunch of guys who enjoy old cars and doing some good for others.”
Car registration is $5, and the proceeds will be divided between the school’s activities fund and Special Olympics.
“This has become a true community event,” Cveykus said.
“Last year, we raised over $2,400 that was equally divided between the Conemaugh Valley School Activities Fund and the National Association of Mental Illness.”
Organizers are hoping to match last year’s entries of 400 classic vehicles.
Entries include custom, classic, vintage and antique cars, trucks, motorcycles and farm tractors.
“This is strictly a fun show,” Cveykus said. “There’s no judging, no trophies and no hassle.”
The first 300 vehicles registered will get dash plaques.
“We have plenty of room at the elementary school for all the enthusiasts,” Cveykus said.
The show also will feature continuous music, special displays, refreshments and special vehicles.
Marines from Helicopter Squadron 773, Detachment B, will have an aircraft on display.
A returning favorite is an English double-decker bus, which will be available for self-guided tours.
“People like to go up on top because it’s a great angle to take pictures,” he said.
Cveykus is excited about having some rare automobiles coming.
Sears, Roebuck & Co. began selling motor vehicles in its 1908 catalog, the same year Henry Ford introduced the Model T. In all, 3,500 vehicles were sold through the catalog between 1908 and 1912, one of which will be on display at the school.
“We also have a 1930 Pack-ard Phaeton coming for people to enjoy,” Cveykus said. “We also will have car corral, where folks can sell a vehicle. It may be a good opportunity for someone who has been thinking about buying a classic or antique to check out the corral.”
Music will be provided by Itch and Who’s Your Daddy, classic rock bands.
Pinstripe artist Terry Emler of Altoona will offer his services to interested patrons.
Refreshments include haluski, hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, baked goods and beverages.
Cveykus said the event is family-oriented with several activities for children such as face painting and a coloring table.
Parking is $1.
The rain date will be Sept. 27.
Gearing up
What: 12th annual Last Blast O' Summer Cars, Trucks and Bikes Cruise-In.
Where: Conemaugh Valley Elementary School, 1451 Frankstown Road, Johnstown.
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 20.
Admission: At entrance.
Cost: $5 car registration, $1 parking.
