In this their 42nd year, the Wheels of Time Rod & Custom Jamboree rolls into Macungie Memorial Park Aug. 27-29, 2021.
This annual car and truck show includes over 1,500 street rods and custom cars, 1991 or older. Each vehicle is an individual creation representing American innovation and creativity and is a unique expression of performance and style by its owners. And for those, 20 participants’ cars will be given the Coveted Wheels of Time award.
Wheels of Time (WOT) is a representation of a street rod and custom car hobby that is a part of American culture. It’s one of the largest all-volunteer event in the nation and annually draws over 20,000 spectators.
But aside from all the neat cars and rods of yesteryear that are worth more now than when they were new, the show also gives back to the local charities.
According to Harry Mericle, WOT Media Relations Manager, proceeds from the show benefit more than two dozen charitable groups plus scholarships for youths who take automotive courses. To date, over $1,300,000 has been awarded to local community organizations and over 300 scholarships. In addition, hundreds of pints of blood have been given to the Miller-Keystone Blood Center. Their mobile blood van will be on site Sunday for donations.
“Wheels of Time members also volunteer their cars for parades, events and spend hours of their time at fire companies and support those in need,” added Mericle.
For this year’s show there will be guest appearances by Bigfoot Monster Truck and driver; a Tribute to Veterans info booth; TV show car featuring Batpod and Grease Lightning Car; Bill Algeo the UFC fighter and Marcus Hardiman MMA fighter.
The show will see the return of Valve Cover Racing and the always popular Teeter Totter, where drivers and their cars attempt to balance their vehicle on a see-saw designed for cars. The winners who can maintain a balance, receive a prize.
With over 250 vendors, most automotive related, there will be activities and entertainment for the entire family.
Entertainment this year kicks off Friday at 7 p.m., when (Elvis) Jeff Krick and his Ultimate Elvis Tribute takes the stage. Then beginning at 7 p.m., Saturday, Flamin’ Dick and the Hot Rods will be on stage to entertain showgoers until 10 p.m. Plus, Rama Lama, a group from Penn State will be on the grounds performing two 90-minute sets of Doo-Wop 50s music. And back again, the Allentown Hobo Band will stroll through the park on Saturday afternoon entertaining showgoers.
Other activities are the Car Corral where you can pick up a deal on a car, truck or custom rod, a cake walk for the ladies, bingo, gift basket raffle, crafts, flea market and an auction of merchandise.
If you’re building your own rod or custom car, Kutztown Auto has donated a small block Chevy motor that will be raffled off on Sunday at the show. Eastwood Auto has also donated a plasma cutter for the Sunday raffle with tickets for both available at the main tent.
Other sponsors include Blast from the Past Rod Shop, Wood Naturally, Poor Boy’s World Polishing and Detail Products, Costco and Doggy Style hot dog shop, Deka Battery, Buckeye Pipeline. M&T Bank and Adams Advertising.
The show opens each day at 7 a.m. with admission at $10 (under 16 free), or bring a non-perishable food item that goes to a local food bank and get a $2 voucher for food and merchandise for each paying admission.
Speaking of food, there will be a host of food stands and for the kids, Macungie Pool will be open for swimming.
As far as the traditional parade through Macungie and surrounding areas, that’s still pending and dependent
For additional information and in particular if you want to enter a vehicle (you’d better hurry), go to www.wheelsoftime.org.
