A group of 10 people who include car enthusiasts are organizing a free car show for 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, at Chestnut Branch Park.
The event is open to all ages. Several types of vehicles – including classic cars, muscle cars, sports cars and custom builds – will be on display. Event participants will pay a fee to enter their vehicles.
“What’s really unique about this event is that a lot of the people are from Mantua neighborhoods,” said organizer Tom Milo. “There’s a wide variety of cars and it’s all open to the public. Most are from the 1950s to 1980s, but we’ve had cars go back to the 1930s, some 2026 cars and Corvettes. It would not be a success without the volunteers.”
Vehicles will be entered in a contest for best in the show, among other categories, with 12 trophies in all for categories such as people’s choice and mayor’s choice. There will also be raffle giveaways. Some volunteers will have their own cars on display, but can’t compete in the contest.
“We’re a tight little group,” said organizer Tony DeFrank. “I have an (AMC) AMX that will be there and a couple we know has a Mustang that people can see.”
Fresh food will be prepared that will be free to guests. Milo and DeFrank are hoping for about 100 display vehicles and 250 guests in all. Proceeds will benefit the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland and the home’s mission to help local veterans.
“This is the fifth year we’re doing it (the show),” Milo explained. “One hundred percent of the proceeds go towards them (the veterans home). I hope people understand why we do it, which is to help veterans. If people need help, we try to give it to them.
“It’s not just one person that makes it all happen, but a whole group, and I’m very proud of everyone.”
Chestnut Branch Park is the setting for the fifth annual show, whose proceeds benefit the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland.
