Thousands attend the 4th annual car show

OXFORD » Anyone who wanted to drive through Oxford on Friday afternoon or evening was probably disappointed, because the center of town was closed off from stem to stern for the fourth annual Car Show. Not too many people wanted to avoid the scene, however, because what they saw inside was so appealing.

Thousands of people enamoured with vehicles gathered up and down Third Street, as well as in the feeder streets, to survey the delicious assortment of cars that were not only beautiful but brought back memories of their youth and that of their ancestors.

From early afternoon on, owners checked in and found their ways to parking places along the way. By 4 p.m. there seemed that no more cars could possibly fit along the road, but even then, some late comers arrived and found a slot here and there.

This year, motorcycle riders from Chester County A.B.A.T.E., a bikers’ advocacy group, helped organize the event with Oxford Mainstreet. They had more

than a block of Locust Street lined with gleaming bikes that had been polished to the hilt for the occasion.

As far as the four-wheel vehicles were concerned, there was plenty of variety to behold.

Some cars dated back so far that they looked almost like horseless carriages. Others stood proudly in shining black with hoods open and doors ajar, either looking like or being original Model T Fords.

But probably the most prevalent models were from the 1940s and 1950s, pampered religiously by owners who had searched around for them with a model in mind, or just stumbled upon them and it was love at first sight.

Joel Hyatt was one of those whose ownership of a 1954 Mercury was almost an act of serendipity.

“I found it in an old barn, and paid $300 for it. I’ve put a lot more into it since then,” he said.

From the appearance at the show, a viewer would never have guessed that it was anything but straight out of the showroom 63 years ago.

Bernard Pierce of Oxford, clearly a millennial with a high degree of technological skill, took a 2008 Saturn Sky and refitted it with a new set of doors so they flare out from the top and wired the interior with a television and audio system. He is able to control the cars’ tricks with a remote control device in the car.

To add to the car’s beauty, he has it painted bright red, which gleams in the sun and has not a single scratch.

There were also some cars whose owners played out a theme with great finesse.

One exhibitor played out the Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ Safari” theme with a Woody (station wagon) loaded with surf boards and 1960s seashore objects inside. Another exhibitor, Pete Hill, dressed his 1953 Chevy 210 up as a car that had just stopped at the drive in hamburger shop. It was complete with versions of hamburger, ketchup, Coca Cola and ice cream sundae. He even had attached a working microphone that was used for placing an order from the parking lot.

State Rep. John Lawrence, R-13, was there with his antique car, delighted with the good weather and giving away ice pops.

And, as usual (and appropriately for Oxford) the Herr Foods car was on hand, just like the one Jim Herr originally used to deliver potato chips.

In all, the count was about 260 cars, and that’s not including the bikes and trucks, said one registrar.

Additionally, there were auxiliary features in the show: things like food trucks, vendors with car related products and clothing, and games.

The Union Fire Company carried out a Jaws of Life demonstration with two smashed cars, and a bunch of Cub Scouts ran toy cars in a race down an inclined they brought over. Alongside the roads, several restaurants brought their tables outside and had prime seating-plusdining along the way.

One of the most fascinating stations featured a game that issued electronically controlled toy cars (for a price) so kids sit remotely at the side, control the movements, and try to win a race.

There was a heavy police traffic control presence, making sure cars detoured around the town until the show closure at 8 p.m.

This is the fourth year for the show, and observers said this was the biggest ever, and greater and greater street space was filled with old vehicles every year.

CHRIS BARBER — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA A late arriving antique pickup truck drives through town and finds a spot to park.

Joe Hyatt found his 1954 Mercury in a dirty old barn.

CHRIS BARBER — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Crowds fill Third Street as they survey the 260 antique cars parked along the side.

Kids take to the controls of a toy car race that was offered throughout the car show.

Bernard Pierce, a technically advanced young car owner, has his 2008 Saturn down up with a television, audio and remotely controlled tricks.

Spectators gather around a very old, restored vehicle and survey the inside as well.

Some of the vehicles almost resemble horse-drawn carriages.

Pete Hill has restored his 1953 Chevy to the appearance of a vehicle stopped at the diner with curb service in the 1950s.

A few people brought old “Woodies.” One was actually done out to the theme of the Beach Boys “Surfin’ Safari” song.

Cub Scouts raced their toy cars down an inclined plane.