Cruise into 4th Fest at a New Classic Car Show

This story originally appeared in The Centre County Gazette.

STATE COLLEGE — While Central PA 4th Fest will feature the return of many fan favorites — the Firecracker 4k race, parade and fireworks display — this year will have a new addition to its lineup.

From noon to 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, classic cars will be on display in Penn State’s Jordan East Lot at the inaugural Firecracker Car Show.

A wide range of vintage vehicles are expected to make an appearance, from BMW Zs and Camaros to Pontiac GTOs. This year’s car classes include:

·         Class 1 – 2000s and up

·         Class 2 – 1980s to 1990s

·         Class 3 – 1960s to 1970s

·         Class 4 – 1940s to 1950s

·         Class 5 — 1930s and older

·         Class 6 — Imports and tuners

·         Class 7 — Rods, street/hot/rat

·         Class 8 — Bikes

·         Class 9 — Trucks

“Most of the new events were added because a community member was interested in the idea and that sparked the possibilities,” shared Celesta Powell, executive director for the 4th Fest board of directors. “To me car shows reflect our modern history. A car itself provides freedom — fast, slow, it symbolizes hard work, ingenuity and rebellion, and when you put all of that together — and it’s loud and shiny — a car show is the daylight version of fireworks.”

Judging of the cars is completed solely by the community. A QR code will be present on each car at the show which attendees can use to cast their vote on their favorite car. 

A presentation of awards will be put on at 5 p.m. to celebrate the winners.

Registration is required to show a vehicle at the Firecracker Car Show. Early-bird registration can be done on the Central PA 4th Fest website and is $20. Same-day registration at the event is $25. Check-in and same day registration begins at 11 a.m.