Classic models and hot rods alike get a scenic backdrop at the sixth John Boyd Thacher Park Wheels in the Woods car show.
“We get a lot of really beautiful classics,” said the event’s director Jason Rittner. “One of the models last year was so I’m surprised even made it up the mountain,” he said with a chuckle. “But there’s no cutoff for car age like other shows have, so you get the newer models too.”
The Saturday, July 25, event is free to attend and goes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A DJ sets the mood by spinning the classics, and catered food options are available at the nearby Thompson’s Reform Church. Cars can pre-register for $10 or show up that day and pay $13 to participate.
Everyone has a favorite car type and Rittner says you’re sure to find yours at the show. All proceeds from participation costs and the event’s 50/50 raffle are donated to Thacher Park to keep the beloved park alive and well.
The event pulls in over $1,000 each year, but Rittner hopes to see that number grow this year. According to Rittner, the event didn’t see high profits last year, but he credits this to the fact that the cost of entry is so much lower than at other car shows. He’s hoping that with increased advertising this year, more people will come.
Wheels in the Woods has been held annually since 2009 when the state threatened to close to the park amidst financial doubt in the park’s future from then Governor David Patterson. At that time community members had to think quickly to come up with a solution to the facility’s money problems.
“It’s for the park, “ said Rittner. “I grew up in the area going to park. It’s a staple around here. If they asked me to do anything for the park I would do it.”
Rittner says that anyone that appreciates cars would enjoy the show and that it’s a great activity for kids and families. Attendees are usually fans of the park just looking to support it like Rittner is.
He has volunteered to organize the event every year since it began, and tries to make it a little different each time. All of the people working at the event, the DJ included, are, in fact, volunteers. The thing that ties them together is their love for Thacher Park.
Rittner was first contacted for the event after he held a similar one for a local drive-in movie center that was looking for donations to stay afloat.
Staff at Thacher Park got ahold of Rittner through his father, Don Rittner, who is now a retired conservation officer. Don Rittner was among those who fought against the constuction of Crossgates over Albany Pine Bush land when construction was proposed back in 1978. Jason says that he is proud to follow in his father’s conservation footsteps by holding this event to preserve Thacher Park.
Unlike other car shows, winners at Wheels in the Woods are not chosen by judges but by the visitors to the show. Upon entrance to the show, they are given a sheet to write down their top three car choices. Awards are then given to the ten cars which got the most votes.
“None of the car shows I’ve ever done have had judges. Just like Thacher Park is for the people, this show is for the people.”
More information on this weekend’s Wheels in the Woods car show is available on Thacher Park’s website and Facebook page.
