Organized by the Doylestown Rotary Club, the event draws close to 25,000 visitors, making it one of the largest public events in Bucks.
DOYLESTOWN, PA — The 16th Annual Doylestown At Dusk Car Show steers into town on Saturday, July 19 with what organizers are calling a "spectacular showcase of automotive excellence."
The free event, scheduled from 5 to 10 p.m. along West Court, West State, South Clinton and Hamilton, promises to be bigger and better than ever, with more than 500 show cars, trucks, and motorcycles representing a century of automotive history.
Organized by the Doylestown Rotary Club, the event draws between 20,000 and 25,000 visitors, making it one of the largest public events in Doylestown and in Bucks County.
"The show offers a unique opportunity to experience more than 100 years of automotive progress," said show chairperson Rick Millham. "From classic and collectible cars to exotic vehicles, there’s something for every car enthusiast."
This year's show will include everything from late-model exotic cars to American muscle cars, pristine antique automobiles, motorcycles and trucks.
"There are no guidelines as to what can be put in the show so we can have everything from an early Model T all the way up to a car somebody just bought last week," said Millham. "We've had hearses with coffins in the back. We've had the Vacation movie car and the bat mobile. We've had all kinds of different stuff. It's been pretty cool."
(Jeff Werner/Patch)
(Jeff Werner/Patch)
Another cool thing about the show is that the vehicles are not grouped by models. They are parked in the street in the order they arrive at the show.
"You never know what you're going to see as you're walking down the street," said Millham. "It's like a hunt. You have to go all over the show grounds. You have to cover every square inch because you don't want to miss something," he said. "That's what makes this a really cool show. You just don't know what you're going to see next."
Millham said another thing he likes about the show is that it lends itself to the sharing of stories and information. For me, if I see a Firebird, I want to talk with that owner," he said. "I want to know all there is to know about that car. And then I'm going to share my story about when I was a kid how I loved that car. That's the experience we want to share with this show - connecting people, sharing stories about the cars."
In addition to the vehicles, Millham said visitors will enjoy a family atmosphere with live entertainment, delicious food from local restaurants, activities for the kids, and a variety of vendors. Bands and entertainers will be performing throughout the downtown area, with the main stage located at W. Court and N. Clinton.
The show will open at the main stage at 4:45 p.m. with the presentation of the colors by a local color guard and the lead singer of Springbrooke performing the National Anthem.
Free entertainment will continue throughout the evening with main stage performances by Springbrooke and Wineskin. Other performers entertaining at the show include Doylestown's School of Rock and Uncle Bob's Band, which performs regularly at Villa Capri.
Crowds and cars fill the street. (Doylestown Rotary Club)
The show, said Millham, also gives back to the community.
“The show not only celebrates more than 100 years of automotive progress, but also supports a vital cause – serving our community," said Millham. "This year, we are proud to donate $30,000 to local charities, ensuring that the positive impact of this event extends far beyond the festivities. It’s a day filled with fun, fabulous cars, and creating lasting family memories.”
At 6 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to see the Rotarians present seven grants to community groups and organizations, all made possible from the monies raised by the car show.
A team of experienced car show judges will inspect each pre-registered vehicle and present two types of awards: the Top 40 and the Specialty Awards. The Top 40 winners will receive their awards at their vehicles before the main awards ceremony at 9 p.m.
Millham invites everyone to join the award winners at the Main Stage at 9 p.m. Specialty Awards include 11 different categories including the Bruce Rutherford Best of Show Award, the Mayor’s Choice (chosen by Doylestown Mayor Noni West), and the Longest Distance Award for the vehicle that was driven the furthest to attend the show.
Last year's Best of Show went to a 1959 Cadillac Coup Deville convertible with a white interior. "It was epic," said Millham. "And we celebrate our Best of Show by putting it on the cover of our program book the following year."
Due to road closures in downtown Doylestown, attendees are encouraged to park outside the immediate area. A free shuttle bus will be available from the Bucks County Parking Garage.
Road Closures (starting at 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 19)
Parking Lot Closures
No parking will be permitted in any of these areas after the closure times.
In case of inclement weather, the rain date for the event is Sunday, July 20.
If you’re interested in becoming a member of the Doylestown Rotary Club, visit the Rotary tent during the event. The club is always looking for new members to volunteer and give back to the community.
"The Doylestown at Dusk Car Show is an event you won’t want to miss," said Millham. "With generous local sponsors and respectful spectators, it’s a fantastic day for all. Mark your calendarsand join us for a memorable evening of cars, community, and charity."
(Jeff Werner/Patch)