very year, we witness cars being updated, refreshed, redesigned, or replaced to cater to the evolving needs of drivers across the nation.

With the introduction of new model years, most outdated cars end up in the scrapyard, never to be seen again. However, there are some individuals who cherish owning a piece of history.

It’s fascinating to see how these cars have stood the test of time and continue to bring joy to those who own them and see them at area car shows.

A wide range of around 150 such classics were on display at the 19th Annual Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company Classic Car Show held June 4 at the fire company grounds.

A mix of the old and new, the simple and the complex brought out the car and truck enthusiasts from all over.

The classic automobile genre is a whole world of its own, and people like Dave DiRisio of Nanticoke spend many years sharing that world with others. DiRisio owns several classics and has been taking them to shows like this for the past 32 years.

“Yeah, it’s a great hobby,” DiRisio said. “You get to meet some people, you get to see cars obviously. There’s always something new at every show, even ones you go to every year. I like to seek out new locations for shows; but, some of the old standbys are just worth going back year after year.”

The love of these automobiles inspired some of these owners to form clubs to share information and provide venues to put them on display. Pacemakers, Jukebox Cruisers, and the Pharoahs Car Club are just three of the local groups that promote classic vehicles.

John Courgis, commander of the Pharoahs Car Club of Jim Thorpe, Carbon County, had his 1972 Chevrolet Camaro RS at the show.

“Out of the 150-some cars that are here today, this is the only split bumper Camaro that is here today,” Courgis said. “I was shocked about that. It’s got the stripes, it’s got houndstooth interior, which is really nice. It’s a beautiful car.”

Dave DiRisio summarized the love of classic cars in one thought.

“I’m a professional musician,” he explained. “I’m a drummer, and I also teach drumming. Been doing that all my life. There’s nothing that brings back fond memories of your youth than cars and music. Everybody has a story to tell what kind of car their dad had or they had. And songs are the same thing. You hear a song right away takes you right back to when you first heard that song, or some situation where you can relate to the band and the song. I mean think about it: America, music and cars. Where would America be without the automobile, and great music too?”

Classic cars are more than just old vehicles - they’re pieces of history that can hold a special place in someone’s heart.

When you have a personal connection to a particular model, it can make your love for it even stronger. Maybe you remember riding in your dad’s vintage convertible as a kid, or you fell head over heels for a roadster you saw on TV.

Whatever the reason, it’s not uncommon for car enthusiasts to seek out these nostalgic models and keep them as cherished possessions. After all, nostalgia is a big reason why classic cars are still so beloved today.

In addition to the car show, there was a breakfast, a basket auction, and a garden tractor pull. All proceeds benefit the various programs of the Franklin Township Fire Co.

A 1976 Dodge Aspet R/T was the “Firemen’s Pick” winner at the recent Franklin Fire Company Car Show.

The vehicle is owned by Richard and Ginny Ringer of Slatington.

Meanwhile, “best of show” winners included:

Henry Mariano, 1971 Chevy Nova SS; Geno Giunta, 1969 Plymouth Cuda; Harry Lewis, 1970 Buick GSX; Leon and Dawn Ahner, 1932 Rockne; Barry and Kelly Heckman, 1966 Chevy Chevelle SS; Paul L. Kuntz, 1958 Chevy Impala; Taylor Nelson, 1969 Chevy Camaro; Mason Stanier, 1986 Chevy Silverado; Neil Colquhoun, 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner; Garrett Stahler, 1979 Ford F150; Juanita Koch, 1967 Chevy Chevelle SS; and Charles Lack, 1934 Ford 3-window Coupe.

Also, Gary Drumheller, 1967 Ford Mustang; Tim Yezik, 1956 Chevy Apache Pickup; Sabatini Family, 1956 Chevy Bel Air; Gary Druden, 1939 Doge Business Coupe; Chuck Dehaven, 1968 Pontiac Firebird; Carl and Renee Shupp, 1957 Chevy Bel Air; Rich Koch, 1966 Chevy Chevelle; Kevin B. Troch, 1957 Chev Wagon Handyman; Scott Meckes, 2010 Full Custom; Richard Smiley, 1955 Chevy Bel Air; and Walter Drumheller, 1956 Ford Thunderbird.

Upcoming car events

Several car events are scheduled in the next few weeks:

• The second annual In Memory of Buzzy Car Cruise will take place on Sunday.

Cars will meet at Becky’s Drive In and depart at 10 a.m. Cars will travel 248 to Mountain Road and proceed onto Bake Oven Road. They will make their way to Best Station Road to Friedens Road and on Route 873 north where they will be escorted through Slatington to the D & L Trailhead.

• Palmerton Car Show, Saturday, June 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the borough park. Prizes awarded. Hosted by the Palmerton Pace-makers Association to benefit area recreation. 610-826-3393 or www.pacemakers.org.

• St. Matthew’s UCC in Kunkletown, Strawberry festival and car show, Sunday, June 18 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the church grove. Trophies awarded.

• The 27th Annual West End Car Show to benefit the Western Pocono Memorial Park located in Kunkletown, June 25 at The West End Fair Grounds in Gilbert. Admission charge for adults.

Live music by Chris Eckert, food, Pocono Old-Tyme Farm Equipment, flea market, and crafters, pedal tractor pull for kids. Prizes for cars. westendcarshow@gmail.com or 610-381-5065.