OLD ORCHARD BEACH — The 26th annual Old Orchard Beach Car Show is rolling into town this weekend.
The fun begins Friday at 1 p.m. with the car showcase in downtown Old Orchard Beach. Cars will be lined up on Old Orchard Street for display and will be released intermittently around dusk, said Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce Director Kim Verreault.
Friday night’s event is free for spectators, and the public is invited to stroll through downtown and view the cars.
The car show runs from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, at First Street and Veterans Memorial Park. Admission is $5 for adults and is free for children under age 12, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Old Orchard Beach call firefighters. In addition to the cars on display, there will be food and merchandise vendors as well as music.
With 22 classes of cars, there is generally a good variety of vehicles spanning many decades at the event, said Verreault. There are categories featuring specific styles of cars, manufacturers and years built. Winners will be awarded in each category. There will also be a People’s Choice candidate chosen by those attending the show.
The show typically attracts hundreds of participants, predominantly from New England, with some from other states as well as Canada, said Verreault. Pre-registration has been strong, and organizers hope to have another good turnout.
“It’s a nice combination of locals and tourists,” said Verreault.
The annual family-friendly event attracts a lot of people into town after the peak summer season, bringing business to hotels and campgrounds as well as local restaurants and shops, said Verreault.
Participants who wish to register their vehicles at the event can do so on Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce, 11 First St. Registrants on Friday can access the Chamber from Heath Street, where they will be directed accordingly.
Registration will continue on Saturday at 7 a.m. at the town’s Milliken Street parking lot. The cost to register is $25 for both days or $10 for Friday night.
Also on Saturday, the 11th annual Chili fest, benefiting the Old Orchard Beach Community Animal Watch, will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at The Pier.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be reached at 780-9015 or by email at egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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