BERNARDSTON — Classic car junkies traveled from throughout Franklin County on Sunday morning to Kringle Candle Company’s largest car show yet.
Rows of both classic foreign and domestic cars lined the parking lot, while automotive enthusiasts and their families came from neighboring New Hampshire and Vermont to catch a glimpse of some of the finest classic cars in the region.
More than 150 cars registered in the Cars and Coffee hot rod show during what appeared to be the best turnout yet for the event that the candle store has been putting on multiple times a year during about six years, said Carolyn Halloran, director of marketing and public relations.
“It’s been a hell of a turnout,” said Mick Kittredge, owner of the Kringle Candle Store. He said the car show has had a tremendous amount of growth this year.
Many of the cars here are works in progress. Their owners have spent an enormous amount of time modifying them and fixing them up. “This is a way for people to come together and show what they have done over the years,” said Northfield resident Frank Prevett, owner of a red 1973 Datsun 240z. Since the early ’80s, Prevett has spent countless hours fixing up his Japanese car, which won multiple car show awards over the years. At the show, people approached him to admire his car and ask questions.
“I think a lot of people see the cars and nostalgia sets in,” said Prevett, who has worked in various roles in the car industry for nearly 40 years. He explained that many classic cars have corroded away because of time spent out in frosty New England weather, but his car managed to survive. “You don’t see them very often, “ he said.
Also stationed in the parking lot, retired Air Force veteran Larry Parker stood with his white 1978 Ford F100 Custom pickup truck. He bought the truck three years ago after seeing a tiny ad in the newspaper for $3,500. The vehicle later appraised for $7,000. “I went to look at it and I almost had a heart attack,” he said.
The show featured a diverse mix of vehicles. Even the oldest fire engine from the Bernardston Fire Department made it to the show. Firefighter Rob Herrick said he was happy to get out on such a beautiful day to display the 26-year-old truck that is still in service with the department.
After checking out the cars, the crowd also had the chance to vote for their favorites. Cummington resident John Eisenhour’s blue 1960 MGA Coupe won the award for best foreign car. Northfield resident Kenn Jordan’s 1930 Ford Model A won the award for best domestic car.
You can reach Lisa Spear at:
lspear@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 280