Ballston Spa Gears Up for the Ultimate Classic Car Extravaganza

Ballston Spa, a quaint New York town, is set to host the 22nd annual "The Way We Were" Car Show this Sunday, October 13th. This highly anticipated event promises to captivate car enthusiasts and casual spectators alike, as hundreds of classic automobiles take over the streets, showcasing the timeless beauty and engineering prowess of bygone eras.

Revving Up for a Nostalgic Journey Through Automotive History

A Showcase of Automotive Elegance and Craftsmanship

The "The Way We Were" Car Show is a true celebration of automotive history, with an impressive collection of over 400 classic cars and trucks expected to grace the streets of Ballston Spa. From meticulously restored vintage models to rare and unique specimens, this event offers a rare opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in a bygone era of automotive design and engineering. Each vehicle on display represents a testament to the passion, dedication, and craftsmanship of its owners, who have dedicated countless hours to preserving these automotive treasures.

A Sensory Delight for Car Enthusiasts

As attendees stroll through the streets of Ballston Spa, they will be treated to a visual feast of automotive splendor. The gleaming chrome, the vibrant paint colors, and the intricate details of these classic cars will captivate the senses, transporting visitors back in time. The rumble of finely tuned engines and the nostalgic scent of gasoline and leather will further heighten the experience, allowing attendees to fully immerse themselves in the automotive culture of yesteryear.

A Family-Friendly Celebration of Automotive Heritage

The "The Way We Were" Car Show is not just a gathering of car enthusiasts; it is a community event that caters to visitors of all ages. In addition to the impressive display of classic cars, the event offers a variety of activities and entertainment for the whole family. From live music performances to food vendors serving up delicious local fare, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The event's organizers have also planned special activities and attractions for children, ensuring that the next generation of car enthusiasts can experience the magic of these timeless machines.

A Unique Opportunity to Showcase Your Own Classic Car

The "The Way We Were" Car Show is not just a spectator event; it also provides a unique opportunity for car owners to showcase their own classic vehicles. Participants can register their cars on the day of the event for a modest fee of $25, allowing them to be part of this prestigious display and connect with fellow enthusiasts. This is a chance for car owners to share their passion and pride with the community, while also potentially winning awards in various categories.

A Celebration of Ballston Spa's Automotive Heritage

The "The Way We Were" Car Show is more than just a car enthusiast's dream; it is a celebration of Ballston Spa's rich automotive heritage. The town has long been a hub for car enthusiasts, with a thriving community of collectors, restorers, and automotive aficionados. This annual event serves as a testament to the town's enduring love for classic cars, and it provides a platform for the community to come together and share their passion for these automotive icons.

A Unique Opportunity to Discover Ballston Spa's Charm

While the "The Way We Were" Car Show is the main attraction, the event also offers visitors a chance to explore the charming town of Ballston Spa. With its quaint streets, historic buildings, and local shops and restaurants, Ballston Spa provides a picturesque backdrop for the car show, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the town's unique character and culture. This combination of automotive history and small-town charm makes the "The Way We Were" Car Show a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Prattville's Spooktacular Car Show Celebrates the Haunting Season

The Prattville Cultural Arts Department has embraced the "spooky season" with their annual Jeepers Creepers Car Show at Spillway Park. This year's event was a ghoulish delight, as participants showcased their Halloween-inspired decorations, transforming the park into a veritable haunted haven.

Unleash the Creepy Crawlies at Prattville's Spooky Car Show

A Ghastly Gathering of Ghoulish Rides

Spillway Park was a veritable graveyard of automotive delights, as cars of all shapes and sizes were on display, each one more spine-chilling than the last. Skeletons, oversized spiders, and iconic horror movie characters like Ghostface and Jason adorned the vehicles, creating an atmosphere that was equal parts eerie and enchanting. The sheer creativity and attention to detail on display were enough to send a shiver down the spine of even the bravest of car enthusiasts.

Jeeps and Classics Reign Supreme

While the event was primarily focused on Jeeps, as the name "Jeepers Creepers" suggests, the car show welcomed a diverse array of vehicles. Classic cars, including a 1925 fire truck and a fleet of Corvettes, joined the Jeep contingent, each one decked out in its own unique Halloween finery. The result was a mesmerizing mix of old and new, with the past and present colliding in a spooktacular display of automotive artistry.

Fueling the Festivities with Food and Music

The Jeepers Creepers Car Show was more than just a showcase of ghoulish rides; it was a full-fledged celebration of the Halloween season. Food trucks and a live DJ kept the party rolling throughout the afternoon, providing sustenance and entertainment for the throngs of attendees who had gathered to soak in the eerie ambiance.

A Haunting Tradition Continues

According to Prattville Cultural Arts Manager Mynecia Steele, the Jeepers Creepers Car Show is just one of many car-themed events hosted by the department throughout the year. However, this particular event has become a beloved tradition, with last year's edition drawing over 106 entries. The combination of Halloween-inspired decorations, diverse vehicle offerings, and a lively atmosphere has made the Jeepers Creepers Car Show a must-attend event for car enthusiasts and Halloween aficionados alike.

Embracing the Spooky Season in Style

The Prattville Cultural Arts Department's Jeepers Creepers Car Show is a testament to the power of community and the enduring appeal of the Halloween season. By creating a platform for car enthusiasts to showcase their creativity and love for all things spooky, the event has become a beloved tradition that brings the Prattville community together in a celebration of the macabre and the magnificent.

Honoring Community Champions: Celebrating the Distinguished Mountaineers of West Virginia

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Lynn Phillips, the regional representative of Governor Jim Justice, presented two prestigious Distinguished Mountaineer Awards at the Second Annual Jenkins Ford Car Show in Buckhannon, West Virginia. The event, held on September 28th, was a fundraiser for pancreatic cancer research, underscoring the awardees' dedication to making a difference in their local community and beyond.

Driving Change: Honoring Exceptional Community Leaders

Revving Up for Success: The John Jenkins Story

John Jenkins, the president of Jenkins Automotive in Buckhannon, was recognized for his remarkable community contributions and accomplishments. His entrepreneurial journey began in 1988 when he and his wife, Sheila, purchased the former B&R Ford dealership, renaming it Jenkins Ford. Over the years, the dealership has grown exponentially, with the Buckhannon location currently employing 45 individuals and the Bridgeport location, which they acquired in 2014, employing an additional 70 people.Jenkins' success story is a testament to his unwavering dedication and hard work. Starting at the age of 14, he began his career at Chenoweth Ford, working his way up from a humble wash boy to positions in service, parts, and sales. This early experience laid the foundation for his future entrepreneurial endeavors, which have not only benefited his own family but have also created numerous job opportunities for the local community.Alongside his professional achievements, Jenkins has also made a significant impact through his philanthropic efforts. He and his wife, Sheila, have three sons – Joey, Matt, and Andrew – all of whom are actively involved in the family business, carrying on the legacy of Jenkins Automotive. The family's commitment to their community is further exemplified by their five grandchildren, who undoubtedly will continue to shape the future of this thriving enterprise.

Advocating for a Cause: Honoring Annette Fetty Santilli

Annette Fetty Santilli, the community partner for the West Virginia chapter of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), was also recognized with the Distinguished Mountaineer Award. Santilli's dedication to raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research was inspired by the loss of her brother, Jim Fetty, who passed away from the disease in 2007.Driven by her personal experience, Santilli has been a tireless advocate, working tirelessly to make a difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer. In 2015, she was honored with PanCAN's National Community Advocate of the Year Award and served on the organization's National Advisory Council. Santilli's efforts have extended beyond the state of West Virginia, as she has collaborated with lawmakers to pass bills through Congress, further amplifying the voice of those affected by this devastating illness.Santilli's impact on the community is not limited to her advocacy work. She has also forged a strong partnership with the Jenkins Ford staff, coordinating the annual Jenkins Ford Car Show, which has become a significant fundraising event for pancreatic cancer research. This collaboration is particularly meaningful, as Santilli's brother, Jim, had his first full-time job at Jenkins Ford, where he cherished the relationships he built with the staff.Annette and her husband, Sam, have a daughter, Stephanie, who is currently a junior at West Liberty University, further demonstrating the family's commitment to education and community involvement.The Distinguished Mountaineer Award, one of the highest honors bestowed by Governor Justice, is a testament to the exceptional contributions of both John Jenkins and Annette Fetty Santilli. Their stories inspire us to embrace the power of community, entrepreneurship, and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the world around us.