MIDLAND AMERICAN AUTO CLUB 2022 ALL-AMERICAN CAR, TRUCK & BIKE SHOW
Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath, Republic of Ireland April 24, 2022
The Midland American Auto Club had a very successful All-American Car, Truck & Bike Show on Sunday, April 24 in Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath. This is the only show of the year in Ireland which is exclusively about American vehicles and celebrates all that is good about American transport. After a three-year absence a large number of American vehicles turned up; huge 18-wheeler Peterbilt & Kenworth trucks, muscle cars, Mustangs, Corvettes, big Cadillacs, Lincolns and Buicks, many, many pick-up trucks, Chevrolet day vans and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. American cars, vans, trucks and bikes came from all over the island of Ireland – from Belfast, Cork, Dublin and the West. Cars came over from England and Wales to join in the party too.
The specialist American cars were out in force as well: Smokey & the Bandit Trans Ams, Starsky & Hutch red and white Ford Torinos, black and white police cars, lowriding station wagons, Forties Hudsons & Studebakers, Thirties hot rods and a Ghostbusters 1959 ambulance.
The club was also very pleased by the number of newer American vehicles that came to the show, demonstrating that the American car scene in Ireland is really thriving.
The sunny day brought out the visiting public in good numbers also, many of whom had found out about the show in magazines, local newspapers, on the radio and from social media. As well as being a celebration of American culture, the show paid tribute to those who had lost their lives throughout the pandemic, some of whom were club members, and paid tribute and gave a big thank you to the essential and emergency services workers over the past three years with a celebratory ‘Sound of Remembrance’ – a sound-off of car and truck horns, wailing emergency vehicle sirens, revving engines and barking exhausts.
There was lots to see and do, including marvelling at the three huge American fire engines, one of which was fresh over from New York. It had served in 9/11 and had a 100fthigh ladder, which looked amazing even only half-extended. People listened to the informative interviews with the owner explaining all about the history and capability of the fire engines with interest – pumping 100 gallons a minute!
There was an increased number of stands selling automotive related and vintage items, which drew big crowds all day long. Gourmet coffee, cakes, hamburgers and corn dogs were on hand to sample while taking a break from seeing all the cars, trucks, vans and bikes.
There were rides and entertainment for the little ones too, as well as a bucking bronco for those budding cowboys and cowgirls who were brave enough! Joe Keenan, the Midland American Auto Club’s chairman, said: “We always try to put on a great show, with lots to see and do for the whole family. If the weather is with us we always have a good show and this year was no exception. We are also pleased to do our bit for the economy of Westmeath and Offaly by filling the local hotels and B&Bs with visitors from around Ireland and the UK. The quality of American vehicles goes up and up each year with many new cars, trucks and vans new on the scene. It is good to connect with new owners as well as old friends once again.”
He added: “We look forward to welcoming everybody back next year on the last weekend of April before the bank holiday; April 23, 2023.”