Pumpkin Run Nationals draws 2,600 entries despite cold, windy weather

The conditions may have been cold, dreary and wet the majority of the weekend, but that didn’t stop 2,600 car enthusiasts from bringing their antique cars into the county for the 2011 Pumpkin Run Nationals Sept. 30 to Oct. 2.

The 36th annual event was held at the Clermont County Fairgrounds in Owensville and featured a variety activities for car owners and guests.

“We try to make it a family-friendly event,” Tanya Beaumont, board member of Fastiques Rod and Custom, the host club, said.

The show included thousands of antique vehicles, from Chevrolet trucks to a Rolls Royce, many with their hoods lifted to give passersby a chance to look at what goes into restoring a historic car. There was also a swap meet to exchange car parts, shopping vendors, food and live music throughout the weekend.

“I think it ran pretty smoothly,” Beaumont said about the show. “We were down a couple hundred, but I am sure the weather had bearing on that.”

She said last year they had 2,800 cars registered and the weather was nice for the earlier part of the show.

The gray skies and cooler weather didn’t impact many of the car owners who attended the event though. Many of them parked their cars, set up tents, wore a couple extra layers and enjoyed the show.

“This is our man time to get out,” Brian Weaver, of Loveland, said. “We appreciate the rolling art. There is a nostalgia that goes with it.”

Weaver, who came to the show with Kurt Bause, also of Loveland, said he enjoys coming to the show for the entertainment and swap meet, but most importantly to see a little bit of history looking at the cars.

“They’ve done us a favor by bringing their cars out,” Beaumont said about those who entered. “They are what makes the show.”

Walking around and looking at the wide variety of cars is what brings people back each year. And Beaumont said their goal is to be hospitable to car owners. She said they have a live band every night, provide a bean supper on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday.

Fastiques Rod and Custom members also judge the show each year, and Beaumont said car owners who enter the show can win plaques and trophies for best paint job, best interior, furthest distance traveled and more.

In addition, the club raffles several items at the show including a complete kit to build an antique car, an engine and a variety of products from sponsors.

“It’s a good show,” Darrell Logan, of Grove City, said. “We’ve been coming about 30 years.”

Logan said what makes the show special to him is getting to see old friends and revisit the time when the antique cars were new.

“You feel like you’re 19, going down the highway again,” he said about coming to the show. “We always have a good time.”

Pumpkin Run Nationals is held the first weekend in October each year and entries are limited to cars and trucks 1970 or older that run on their own. For more information visit www.pumpkinrunnationals.com.