Show/cruise-in set in Winchester, Va.
The 50th annual Apple Blossom Show/Cruise-In is planned for today and tomorrow in Winchester, Va.
The first day features a car tour, beginning at 1 p.m., to Gladys & Paul Cogle’s private museum in Martinsburg, W.Va. A get-acquainted party and president’s reception are scheduled from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
On the second day, show registration will be held at Jim Barnett Park from 8 to 11 a.m.
Only AACA pre-registered vehicles will be judged. The cruise-in is for street and hot-rod vehicles. Classic-car and cruise-in awards will be presented at 3 p.m.
For more show and lodging information, contact meet chairman Jim Stup at 540/465-5066 or visit www.husky club.com/abmeet.htm on the Internet.
Newport News meet today, tomorrow
The 55th annual Old Dominion Meet is scheduled for today and tomorrow in Newport News, Va.
The event is being hosted by the Historic Virginia Peninsula Region Antique Automobile Club of America.
For information, contact the Omni Newport News Hotel, 1000 Omni Blvd., in Newport News.
The host hotel’s phone number is 757/873-1732. Indicate you are seeking information about the ODMA group meet. The show field is directly behind the hotel.
Car, truck, bike show in Calvert
Night Thunder Cruisers of Calvert County, Md., will present their 6th annual Car, Truck and Bike Show tomorrow at Huntington High School.
Spectator admission is $3 and the entry fee is $20, which covers the vehicle, driver and one passenger.
Registration is from 9 a.m. to noon, with an awards ceremony at 2 p.m.
Awards will be given to the top 75 vehicles and there will be a special awards for best-of-show car, truck and motorcycle.
For more information, contact Langford Johnson at 443/532-1422, Johnny Brooks at 410/535-3730 or Larry Gross at larrygrosscpa@comcast.net on the Internet.
Cruise-in to be held May 18 in Urbana
The Frederick County Corvette Club is hosting a cruise-in May 18 from noon to 3:30 p.m. in Urbana, Md. It will be held rain or shine.
Awards will be given for first, second and third place after judging.
There also will be a special award for Corvette competition. The day will include a 50-50 drawing.
The cruise-in will be held at the Cracked Claw and Peter Pan restaurants parking area at routes 355 and 80 (off Interstate 270 at Exit 26). The event is free, but donations will be accepted.
Straight Eights Club plans cruise-in
The Straight Eights Car Club will begin its second season of free monthly cruise-ins May 18 and continue every third Sunday starting at 3 p.m., through September.
The event, open to anyone but to gay car enthusiasts in particular, will be held in the parking lot beside PW’s Sports Bar and Grill, 9855 N. Washington Blvd. in Laurel.
The first cruise-in will benefit the Washington Animal Rescue League. Participants are asked to bring a donation of pet treats and/or peanut butter to be put inside dog toys. For more information, call 202/583-5888 or visit www.straight8s .org on the Internet.
Lack of maintenance can cost a driver
The Car Care Council warns that putting off vehicle care and maintenance can make matters worse.
“You can’t control the price of gas, but you can control how much gas you burn by proper maintenance and how you drive,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Performing simple and inexpensive maintenance can save as much as $1,200 a year in gas cost.”
For a free copy of the Car Care Guide, visit www.carcare .org.
Fitzgerald lauded for safety program
The Partnership for a Safer Maryland will recognize Fitzgerald Auto Malls on May 16 for addressing the safety needs of Maryland residents with its child safety seat inspection program.
The 2008 Annual Partnership for a Safer Maryland Conference and Award Ceremony will recognize the contributions of organizations throughout the state of Maryland including Patuxent Sportsmen for Kids, State Farm Insurance, Delmarva Power, Boat US Foundation, R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma and Fitzgerald Auto Malls. The partnership will honor Fitzgerald for its efforts in injury prevention, specifically its child passenger safety programs.
Fitzgerald’s child safety seat program is one of the largest of its kind in the United States, having installed and inspected more than 35,000 safety seats in the Washington area. Free inspections are performed year-round by nationally certified child passenger safety technicians who make sure children are properly secured. As a member of the Safe Kids Coalition, Fitzgerald’s child safety seat program is approved and assisted by Montgomery County Police, Montgomery County Fire & Rescue, and Maryland State Police.
Gas prices changing car-buying habits
According to the latest Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research study, the number of new-car shoppers adjusting their spending habits due to increasing gas prices has reached a record high.
“Gas prices are already affecting vehicle sales in every segment, and traditional sport utility vehicles have been especially hard hit. Other industries will feel the pinch as consumers cut out clothes, eating out and entertainment just so they can pay the fuel bills,” said Jack Nerad of Kelley Blue Book.
• Mail items of interest to Auto Notes, care of Bill O’Brien, The Washington Times Copy Desk, 3600 New York Ave. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002, or send information via e-mail to bobrien@washingtontimes.com. The deadline is 5 p.m. on the Monday before the date of publication.
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