NORRISTOWN >> Even when the Doppler radar types are ordering plenty of sun, a car show still needs a rain date – as much as a ’65 Ford Mustang’s deluxe cream-colored interior needs an ivy-green trim to match the ivy-green body paint.
As of Thursday, although Sunday’s forecast for the Norristown Maenner-Chor Club’s third annual car show was filled with the sort of pleasant temperatures and sunny skies that tend to ease the anxieties of car show presenters, organizer Rich Racich was well-aware that many car guys take a wait-and-watch-the-clouds attitude before they decide to pull their four-wheeled gems out of the garage.
“We have 28 pre-registered, which is more than we had last year, when we had over 90 cars in the show, so that is a good sign that this will be a great show,” said Racich, a Maenner-Chor member and just the sort of zealous motorhead who is so well-suited to running a car show.
“I know they’re calling for nice weather, but car guys tend to hedge their planning until the day of the show.”
In the unlikely event of a downpour, the show that is officially dubbed the Norristown Police Thomas Barone Memorial Car Show – in honor of Norristown police Officer Thomas Barone, who was tragically shot and killed while answering a domestic disturbance on West Elm Street in October 1992 – will be moved to Sept. 13.
Racich is counting on the car show to rake in plenty of proceeds to benefit a scholarship fund in Barone’s name.
“We’re trying to give back to the community and that’s why we’re doing this,” Racich said. “The car show community is pretty tight-knit and they like supporting car shows and being around people and the fundraising aspect of it. It’s always a good fun time.”
Many may remember Racich’s returning Blue Danube beauty from last year’s show – his treasured 1964 Chevy Chevelle, whose most recent engagement was at the Collegeville Fire Company Car Show early last month.
At that show, of course, Racich’s Chevy was lined up on the main drag with every other fat-fendered contender for Best in Show.
Racich wouldn’t say which type of showcase he preferred – parking lot or Main Street.
“They’re all good; they all serve the purpose – bringing people together,” said the Jeffersonville resident. “Car shows are about having a good time and being with people. It’s amazing who you run into at car shows.”
Sponsors for this year’s car show, as provided by Racich, include Ted Bowers Custom Carpentry; EDGE Signs & Graphics, LLC; Black Horse Auto Body; Nippers Bar & Restaurant; realtor Sue Proud of Long & Foster; Bauman-Pitts Plumbing & Heating; Jorge O. Leizerowicz of Window, Door & Siding Co.; Sonic Drive-In; Sport Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram; Lou’s Sandwich Shop; Beer Baron; Corropolese Bakery & Deli; Dianne Naulty of Aim High; Giant Food Stores; Weis Markets; Acme Markets; Wawa; Home Depot; Chaps Taproom & Sports Grill; Jem Restaurant; JEGS High Performance; Summit Racing; RockAuto.com; SUMMIT Racing; NAPA Auto Parts; Goodguys Rod & Custom Association; Mothers Car Care Products and Console & Hollawell, PC Personal Injury Law.
The Norristown police Thomas Barone Memorial Car Show will be held Sunday, Sept. 6, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Norristown Maenner-Chor Club, 920 Haws Ave., Norristown.
Registration ($20 day of show) at 9 a.m.
Breakfast sandwiches, coffee and donuts available at 8 a.m.
