A tradition that drives dads: Father's Day Car Show rolling into Sharon Sunday
Jun. 15—SHARON — To Frank Draskovic, Father's Day is all about cars.
The 86-year-old, who owns Frank's Auto Repair in Shenango Township, has the featured car in the 39th annual Father's Day Car Show, which runs from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday in downtown Sharon.
He acquired his 1969 Plymouth Barracuda — the first to be called a "'Cuda" — in 1975. The car was featured in Motor Trend magazine, and Draskovic has preserved it, taken care of it, and cleaned it for the past 47 years.
Draskovic's 'Cuda has a 340-cubic-inch engine, a four-speed transmission, and a 3.90 differential — a measurement that refers to the gears that dictate how quickly the wheels rotate during turns.
"The Father's Day Car Show means being proud of your cars to display them and inviting others to bring their cars to display them," Draskovic said.
Draskovic hopes to see his family at the car show, but they live out of state. He is married to Karen, and they have two sons, Michael and Darren, and three grandchildren, Joshua, Jessica and Megan. Frank has three stepchildren, Chris, Lori and Renee and three step-grandchildren, Nicholas, Addison and Tyler.
"They like surprises," Draskovic said. "Everyone likes surprises, so I don't know if they'll surprise me and be here."
Frank's Auto Repair Shop, which he opened in 1965, is next to his residence, and Draskovic is not slowing down anytime soon.
"It's getting close to 60 years and I'm not working, I'm playing," Draskovic said. "I don't have to work, but I'm working because I have to. I can't sit. It's something to do and it's fun for me and relaxing."
The Father's Day Car Show is free to the public, with door prizes for participants, said Ed Bailey, president of the Shenango Valley Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America Father's Day Car Show committee.
With nice weather expected Sunday, Bailey estimates they will get 600 to 700 cars registered at Sharon City Center, and he's expecting about 10,000 to 14,000 spectators that will be browsing the cars and buying food from local vendors.
The cars will be lined up from Railroad Street to North Main Street. The first 400 participants to register will receive dash plaques.
Bailey said the City Center lot and lots near Penn State Shenango will be the best places for spectators to park.
Bailey said most cars are allowed to register; monster trucks are one of the few exceptions.
"We allow in stock to modified to hot rods," Bailey said. "Just about any kind of older automobile is allowed in the show, along with newer model cars."
Proceeds from the show, which amount to around $1,500, are donated to the Shenango Valley Children's Transplant Fund.
The show cost is around $7,000 to $8,000. The main sponsors are Robert W. Piston, M.D., of Hermitage, Shenango Honda of Hermitage, WKBN and Fox Youngsotwn, First National Bank, JCL Development and Quaker Steak & Lube.
Draskovic and his wife Karen are both active in the auto club, and help out with the Father's Day Car Show every year since they joined in 1980. Draskovic also owns a 1951 Ford Victoria and a 1966 Sport Fury convertible, which was featured in the car show in 2009.
"I thank God every day to do what I'm doing and to be where I'm at in my life," Draskovic said. "God wants me on earth for some reason."
Follow Melissa Klaric on twitter @HeraldKlaric or email her at mklaric@sharonherald.com
Follow Melissa Klaric on twitter @HeraldKlaric or email her at mklaric@sharonherald.com
