Published September 23. 2024 02:49PM
A reformatted Tamaqua Summerfest in June prevented a popular car show from taking place.
But it seemed nobody had forgotten about the eye-popping trucks and cars owned by local auto enthusiasts.
On Sunday, the Jukebox Cruisers Car Club joined with the Tamaqua Historical Society to present the Tamaqua Car Show on South Railroad Street in downtown to showcase the spiffy wheels missing from the earlier festival.
“If this works out, we might make it an annual thing,” said Bill Harleman, Hometown, society board member.
The calendar said it was the first day of fall but summerlike weather brought in dozens of show cars and trucks.
To make way for the entries, organizers reserved what was once the Tamaqua municipal parking lot, now site of a medical practice, plus a two block area of South Railroad.
Antique and classic rides pulled into the show area beginning at 9 a.m. for a show scheduled to run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
“And they’re still coming in,” said Harleman.
Dale Freudenberger was pleased with the turnout.
“We’ll fill the parking lot first and then use the street.”
Among the exhibitors was Len Davis of Tamaqua with his unique 2004 Chevy SSR, or super sport roadster.
It’s a car, a pickup, a hardtop and a convertible all rolled into one machine.
“It’s different. I’ve had it 20 years already,” he said.
Sean Hegarty, Tamaqua, featured a sleek, low-riding 1989 Mazda XR7, a car many had never seen previously.
“This is only its first or second show,” said Hegarty.
Tyrone Rarick of Tamaqua paid tribute to nostalgia with a 1976 International dump truck, demonstrating how the utilitarian machine was adapted for coal delivery.
Founded in 2001, the Jukebox Cruisers is a social organization for those interested in the promotion and development of classic, antique and special interest vehicles.
The club is based in the Jim Thorpe area.
Dozens of cars and trucks turned out in perfect weather Sunday for the Tamaqua Car Show, sponsored by the Jukebox Cruisers and Tamaqua Historical Society. DONALD R. SERFASS/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
Tyrone Rarick, left, Dale Freudenberger and Brian Swinburne display car memorabilia that was donated by a car enthusiast on Sundayat the Tamaqua Car Show held on South Railroad Street. DONALD R. SERFASS/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
Vintage wheels dating as far back as the 1920s were a hit with spectators at Sunday’s Tamaqua Show.
An unusual machine, the 2004 Chevy SSR owned by Len Davis of Tamaqua is a retro-styled retractable hardtop convertible pickup.