Summary: Car enthusiasts supported the Ohio Diabetes Association while showing off their classic cars at the Follow the Trail Benefit Car Show held on Saturday, August 27.
Story: As if the small town of Trail, Ohio had been transported a half a century back in time, as classic cars cruised into the Dutch Country Flea Market for the 6th annual Follow the Trail Benefit Car Show on Saturday, August 27.
Upon entering the flea market, the illusion of entering the past only intensified. Classic cars sat sparkling in neat rows as judges surveyed their attributes. As booths sold homemade ice cream and Amish baked good, the flea market was in full swing, with vendors selling crafts and antiques. The classic hits that issued from the loudspeakers were likely the same songs that used to blast from the radios and 8-track players of the cars on display.
Proceeds benefited the Ohio Diabetes Association. Each year the Canton Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), who holds the show in Trail, chooses to donate to a charitable cause. Last year the show benefited the Alzheimers Association. We had three people in our club die of Alzheimers, said Darrin Troyer, co-owner of Troyers Genuine Trail Bologna and event coordinator. Most people in the club are in their seventies. This year Diabetes is a major disease, so we just decided to go with that. Breast cancer has also affected club members, spurring the decision to raise money for research next year.
This year, the show surpassed last years record of 89 cars. Troyer said he hopes it grows even more in upcoming years. I want it to get big, because the bigger it gets the more money I can raise for charity, said Troyer. The past six years, the show continually grows a little bit, but Im still hoping for that year when the show goes through the roof. Itll come.
Most of the classic car owners hailed from parts of Ohio, but a few aficionados traveled to reach this show. Ask any car enthusiast. If theres a car show were going to catch it, said Buzz Keller, a member of the Shade Tree Car Club in Beckley, West Virginia. Anther agreed, saying that this show has a lot to offer. Theres quite a variety of cars here, said Rod Barkley, who brought his MG 72. Its a chance to see a lot of everything.
As the classic car hobby continues to grow, the unique nature of this show should attract more people to participate, said Troyer. The shows location in the heart of Amish Country, along with the diversions of food, music, the flea market and fellow car-lovers ensured that there was no lack of entertainment. Also, the show is judged, so enthusiasts can take pride in their cars. Eventually, Troyer wants to add a motorcycle class to get younger people involved.
Trivia questions by JT Sounds DJ kept show-goers on their toes, asking questions like What year was the rearview mirror standard equipment on a production car? and What did New York City police use to chase speedy drivers? Those with the correct answers (1935, a bicycle) were awarded door prizes.
Other awards were given out throughout the day. In this judged show, only pre-1995 cars were eligible for awards, with prizes going to the top 25 and top 5. Dash plaques were awarded to the first 75 cars that parked at the show. This year, Best of Show went to Jeff Melnichenko of Port Washington with a 1957 Chevy Belair. The Troyer's Trail Bologna Choice was awarded to Dave & Norma Shutt of Sugarcreek with a 1972 Dodge Challenger. Best Street Rod went to Jackson Wright of Louisville with a 1930 Ford A Sedan. The winners of Best Truck were Jim & Margie Barnhart of Millersburg with a 1940 Chevy Master Pickup and the Peoples Choice was awarded to Dick & Kay Stowe of Galion with a 1941 Buick.
The Top 10 were Gary Rowe of Holmesville with a 1969 Chevy Camaro Convertible, Gary Shaffer of Canton with a 1965 Volkswagon Beetle, Tom & Terri Shelton of Millersburg with a 1966 Shelby GT 350, Jerry Moore of Wadsworth with a 1974 Triumph TR6, Lynn Kennedy of Canton with a 1972 Chevy Chevelle SS, Frank Blough of Wooster with a 1972 Chevy Chevelle. Ron & Pat Danhoff of Plymouth with a 1959 Chevy Corvette, Bob DiCarlo of Painesville with a 1965 Buick Riviera, Don & Lana Hawkins of Rittman with a 1964 Ford Galaxy and Larry Rowe of Holmesville with a 1950 Willys Jeepster.
For information on next years show, contact Darrin Troyer at 330-760-2200 or troyersolds@aol.com.
