Many antique car enthusiasts look forward to displaying their hot rods during the summer.
The Hobart Firefighters IAFF Local 1641 recently got on board, offering its inaugural Car Show at Festival Park.
“I’ve attended car shows while growing up and vividly remember my hometown putting them on when I was a kid,” said Hobart Firefighter/Paramedic Joe Porcaro. “I’ve also attended car shows locally and it’s inspired me to put on my own show.”
The idea to bring a classic automobile display to Hobart came about during an informal talk around the Hobart firehouse’s kitchen table.
“Lt. (Brent) Hinkemeyer and myself were discussing classic cars and other fire departments in the area that have put on car shows,” said Porcaro. “I purchased my first muscle car a couple of years ago, and what better way to display it than through our own Hobart Firefighters’ Local Car Show?”
It was a well-received idea among the members of his department, Porcaro added. “Our local was also looking to put on another event into the mix of our annual events.”
The end result was a year-long plan to bring the car show to Festival Park during this summer, and the show went off without a hitch.
The sunny day found more than 50 car owners putting their antique cars on display. Some owners sat in the shaded area behind their cars, while some stood in the midway to greet visitors.
“As an adult, I became interested in classic cars,” said Howard Harmon of Schererville, who stood beside his shiny 2005 Ford Mustang. “I’ve gone to many shows, met many other classic car owners, and actually have done some engine work on my car.”
Some of the Hobart firefighters entered their own cars, including Porcaro and three other firefighters.
“I’d like to think most people get excited to see classic muscle cars driving down the road,” he said, as he stood next to his 1969 Pontiac GTO. “Cars today on the road just don’t have the same appeal or looks. There’s a nostalgia and enthusiasm seeing these beautiful vehicles at events, and I think it’s something anyone from any age can enjoy and appreciate.”
Indeed, the Williams family from Crown Point travels to at least a dozen car shows when the weather gets warm. Sometimes they enter their automobiles, and sometimes they come to just observe. His trip to Hobart was to observe and talk with other car owners.
“My two sons and I have classic cars from the past — all Chevys from the 1960’s,” said Dan Williams, as he admired the cars lined up on the midway. “We’ve taught ourselves, and learned from other owners, to do work needed under the hood, it saves money.”
The recent show cemented the idea that the Hobart Car Show should become an annual event.
“We don’t have a specific day and time set yet,” Porcaro said. “It will probably be scheduled for the same time frame as this year’s.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
