Classic convergence in Trenton July 25
TRENTON, Mich. -- Southeast Michigan’s relationship with the automobile has made it a haven for classic car enthusiasts and some of the best vehicle showcases in the country, ranging from one-day mobile events such as Cruisin’ Downriver to the permanent display of vintage cars and trucks at The Henry Ford in Dearborn.
Now in its seventh year, the Roar in the Park classic car show has been forming a tradition of its own, drawing some of the region’s best antiques and classics to Elizabeth Park one day each summer as part of an event first devised to round out the activities during an annual weekend of power boat racing.
According to one of the key organizers, the event has turned into a perfect fit for the PNC Roar on the River weekend, scheduled for July 23-25.
“You can’t beat the location of the car show,” said Bruce Diven, who coordinates the show on the behalf of Trenton Rotary. “You can come display your car, go to the boat races and see the fireworks. You can sit right next to the Detroit River, and just enjoy a relaxing day at Elizabeth Park.”
When the car show first joined the Roar in 2004, it originally was a Saturday event. When the Roar on the River’s evening entertainment format was expanded in 2008, the car show was moved to Sunday in order to free up more parking space on Saturday. The switch also ensured that the car show had all the space it needed in the main field area that is directly across the street from the spectator entrance to the Roar.
The move turned out to be good for the car show as well, since the winners of the car show are now announced at 4 p.m. Sunday, just prior to the riverfront ceremony where the winning boat racers receive their trophies.
The award ceremonies will mark the culmination of a weekend that could see upwards of 30,000 people visit Elizabeth Park for power boat racing, outdoor concerts, fireworks, a children’s fun fair, Jet Ski stunt shows, and a taste-fest style kickoff party that will feature the food of 42 restaurants and caterers.
The Roar in the Park classic car show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 25. Car owners can begin registering for the event beginning at 8 a.m. The cost is $20.
The show typically attracts between 150 to 200 automotive entries, which range from fully original antiques and classics to a diverse array of uniquely customized vehicles.
Diven said the Roar in the Park is pleased to welcome back Gorno Ford as the lead sponsor for the event.
“Gorno Ford has been our car show sponsor since the very first year of the event,” Diven said. “They’ve played an important role in our success.”
Some of the awards that will be up for grabs at the car show include Best of Show, the Wayne County Parks award, the Mayor’s Choice and the Trenton Rotary award.
“We are also having searchlights run from 9 p.m. until midnight on Friday and Saturday to focus and draw more people to the park,” Diven said.
For additional information on the Roar in the Park or any of the other PNC Roar on the River activities, visit www.trentonroarontheriver.com.
