Hundreds of people check out vehicles at car show in McAdoo

Sep. 19—MCADOO — The 1977 Plymouth Volare station wagon rolled into Veterans Memorial Park with a man at the wheel, smiling, his wife in the passenger seat and two small children in the back.

The family pulled into a spot next to two other cars from that era, got out, put the children in their little red wagon and talked with passersby who admired their car, which looked right out of "National Lampoon's Vacation."

The vehicle was among hundreds Sunday in the park on Grove and Hancock streets for the 36th edition of the Anthracite Region of the Antique Automobile Club car show.

More than 100 vehicles of various shapes and sizes were lined up in the park and neighboring Tri-County Little League field for the event.

Hundreds of people walked the area looking at the vehicles while classic rock 'n' roll played over a loudspeaker.

Food was provided by the Tri-County Little League.

It was Mike Bezick's second year showing his station wagon, which has stickers for the fictional Wally World and Lou Glutz Motors from the 1983 movie starring Chevy Chase.

The Junedale, Carbon County, resident brought his wife, Holly Bezick, daughters Emily, 3, and Evelyn, 1, and father Mike Bezick to the show.

"We say its our hot rod family truckster," said the younger Bezick, who also brought a 1971 Plymouth Barracuda. "It gets a lot of attention. The girls love it."

Tom Meyers Sr., of Freeland, came to the show with his son, Tom Meyers Jr., of Hazleton, and grandson Preston Meyers, 2. While the eldest Meyers said that he has been coming to the show for years, it his grandson's first time.

"I like the weather, seeing all the cars and people," Meyers Sr. said.

Some of the vehicles dated to the 1930s, while others were newer.

Victor Saraceno, of Drums, brought his 2016 Camaro, which he decorated with "Star Wars" stormtroopers. For a soundtrack, he had "The Imperial March" playing from the stereo.

"I take it all over," he said of the car, adding he likes making new friends at the yearly car show.

Elsewhere at the show, McAdoo resident Amy Michelli admired a yellow 1970s-style taxi, which had an "I Love NYC" sticker on its bumper.

"It's cool," she remarked.

AACA Anthracite Region President Joe Forish said 100 vehicles pre-registered for this year's show. He was impressed by many of them.

"There are so many beautiful cars and some really neat ones," he said. "I thank all the participants for coming out."

The first 150 registered vehicles received Special Participation awards, while dash plaques were presented to the first 200 registered vehicles.

Other prizes were awarded for Best of Show Stock and Best of Show Modified, while special awards were given to all AACA Senior and First Junior automobiles.

Contact the writer: clee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6028; @Cleespot on Twitter