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Summertime is noted for many much-awaited events. They include picnics, a dip in a cooling outdoor pool, a variety of festivals, yard sales and car shows. Yes, car shows are high on the list of many Ohio Valley residents.
Whether you are the proud owner of a 1960-something Corvette, a custom-painted Harley or a brand new four-wheeler, car shows are most likely on your summer bucket list. During the warm weather months and into early fall, vehicle enthusiasts bring out their prized vehicles to show off to the rest of us.
Some of the shows are simple gatherings -- such as those that were held at the former Hardee's parking lot in Woodsdale. While some shows have gone by the wayside for one reason or another, there is always another one somewhere within the tri-state area to serve the purpose.
Others are huge events such as the Ohio Valley Street Survivors car, truck and motorcycle show held at Oglebay Park. This year's event will be held Aug. 24 at Levenson Shelter at Oglebay. This is the one not to miss.
Most car (and truck and motorcycle) shows serve as fundraisers for various do-good organizations and charities. Because the vehicle entries pay fees, the public can usually enjoy the events without cost. However, most events include 50-50 raffles and vehicle-related items for sale.
Personally I enjoy seeing the vehicles of my youth on display at these events. These very stylized vehicles are remnants of the past that evoke wonderful memories. No offense to today's vehicles, but cars and trucks from the 1950s-1980s were so distinctly designed that you could tell a Chevy from a Pontiac or Ford from a Mercury at a glance.
Vehicles with bench seats made much more sense to me than today's bucket seats. There was no losing items between the seats and you could safely hold on to and transport a box of DiCarlo's pizza on a bench seat without fear of it sliding onto the floor. It may not have been as safe, but three people could fit in the front seat on a bench seat.
There are other features of the vehicles of yesteryear that I really miss. I wish cars still had side vent windows and floor vents. There are times I just want some fresh air flowing into the car. And you have to admit those side vent windows and floor vents were just the ticket.
If you are old enough to remember the bright light switch located on the floorboards, you know that was a great invention. Now cars come with automatic bright lights or are activated via arm switches on the steering column. I guess these are considered modern improvements in vehicle design, but personally I think some things are better left alone.
No matter your vehicle preference, it's fun to see how the vehicle industry has evolved since Henry Ford brought us the Model T. And I bet you can find one at a car show near you. See you there!
Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.