The Arthritis Foundation is back with its 28th Annual Classic Auto Show and Cruise-In July 9-10.
The two-day event will feature more than 1,200 antique cars, street rods, muscle cars, custom cars and European exotics on Friday. During Saturday’s Classic Auto Show, this year’s featured marquees are the Chevrolet Corvair, the Datsun/Nissan “Z” and the Mazda Miata.
A returning highlight is the featured car display. This year’s display is a Crosley car. The owner, Dublin resident Rusty McClure, is the grandson and great-nephew of Cincinnati entrepreneurs and brothers Lewis and Powel Crosley, respectively.
To celebrate the show’s many years in the Dublin community, Dublin Life asked several people involved with the event to share their favorite memories.
Jeff Brashares
Chairman of the Classic Auto Show & Cruise-In, 27 Years
What do you like most about being involved with the auto show?
That would definitely be the fellowship created in the community by working with folks from all walks of (car) life.
What is your favorite car you've seen at the show?
That would have to be the 1964 Mustang prototype built prior to production to ‘test’ the model.
What is your favorite memory of the show?
Seeing all the children’s faces that light up when they get to sit in a classic car.
Ron Gallagher
Member of the Classic Auto Show & Cruise-In Committee, 10 Years
What do you like most about being involved with the auto show?
The people who serve on the committee – and the mission to help others with arthritis – are by far the most rewarding parts of working on this great car show. My passion for cars has always been huge. However, it’s the friendships we form that make this a fun event every year.
What is your favorite car you've seen at the show?
No. 1: The Batmobile.
No. 2: (Brashares’) 1953 Buick.
No. 3: All the Mustangs.
What is your favorite memory of the show?
I have been attending this show for more than 20 years, and I have so many fond memories. (My favorite is) probably the first year I was asked to be a Friday Cruise-In judge about four or five years ago. I always felt (this) was the most prestigious car show in the Columbus area. I was and still am very proud to say I’m an official judge.
Peter Stephens
Member of the Classic Auto Show & Cruise-In Committee, 2 Years
What do you like most about being involved with the auto show?
Many of us are involved with the show because of our love of cars or the enthusiasm of the committee and Arthritis Foundation staff. (Also), my 90-year-old mother is severely affected by arthritis. This is my gift to her, to raise money for a cure so future generations won't have the pain and suffering she has endured.
What is your favorite car you’ve ever seen at the show?
What attracted me to the auto show originally as a spectator, then as a presenter, was the diversity of cars. I’ve seen restored flower cars for funeral homes to a small tank to a PT Cruiser that was totally decorated in Pittsburgh Steelers colors and apparel.
What is your favorite memory of the show?
Before I got involved with the show committee, I was showing my 1930 Olds convertible at the show. We had one of those pesky quick showers. All of a sudden, people of all walks of life ran over to my car and helped keep a plastic cover on it. They all got soaked with me, but there wasn’t a single complaint. Everyone just laughed and enjoyed themselves!
Wendy Cai is a contributing reporter for
Dublin Life.