(Belcamp, Maryland – May 2, 2014) More than 240 cars and 2,000 spectators gathered in Jarrettsville to celebrate Harford County’s car culture at the 3nd Annual Romancing the Chrome Car Show hosted by Harford County Public Library and the Jarrettsville Lion’s Club.
Car enthusiasts and onlookers alike enjoyed live music by Almost Certain, concessions by Pond View Farm and Pit Crew, WOLO Gourmet Food Truck and Catering, and Jarrettsville Creamery and Deli, a beer garden, and a variety of exhibits from vendors including the Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company, The Harford County Sherriff’s Department, the Harford County Public Library, and several of the event’s sponsors: Keene Dodge, Mr. Tire, Harford Sanitation/Waste Industries, Jacks Small Engines, WXCY, Caswell Testing and Water Systems, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Atlantic Tractor, Carl’s Door Service, MediaWise, and APG Federal Credit Union.
In addition, several businesses supported the event by purchasing a vendor space on the field including: Jarrettsville Veterinary, No Kill Harford, Chad Shrodes and Jayme Webster/Long and Foster, Gutter Helmet Systems, James Reilly, Clerk of Court; APEX Massage, Solar Energy, Maryland Insurance Administration, Detail Concepts, Cherry Restorations, KDI Customs Upholstery, Madonna Heritage, Cindy Herd, Energy Remodeling, and The Nut Lady. The highly anticipated event is also made possible by the generous support of Edwin Jarett and The Rose Family, and the dedicated efforts of the Bel Air Corvette Club.
“Romancing the Chrome Car Show is absolutely my favorite show Mr. Tire attends,” said Rudy Rivenburg with Mr. Tire, a Premiere Sponsor. “The Romancing the Chrome Car Show gives us lots of exposure and every year it gets better and better! We look forward to next year!”
“We are thrilled that so many sponsors, cars and spectators returned this year. It is the highest compliment to hear that families have made this event an annual tradition,” said Amber C. Shrodes, Foundation Director for Harford County Public Library and an organizer for the event. “Since its inception community support for the Romancing the Chrome Car Show has been simply outstanding and it continues to grow!”
The show, which was recognized in AAA World Magazine, Harford Magazine, Baltimore’s Child and numerous other publications, also attracted the attention of MPT’s MotorWeek Car Culture Reporter Zach Maskell, who attended the event as a celebrity judge.
“Another success for Romancing the Chrome!” exclaimed Maskell. “Seeing the community celebrate our passion together, while helping vital organizations is an indescribable feeling. I was thrilled to be a part of such a worthwhile event. Beautiful cars on a gorgeous day, benefiting two important organizations in my county… what could top that?”
And the winners are…
Best in Show: Dave Warner – 1948 Studebaker Truck/Roadster; Domestic 1993+: Ralph Hatton – 2006 Cadillac XLR; Foreign 1993+: Mike Davis – 2000 BMW 323CI; Muscle 1993+: Mark Gogots – 2010 Chevrolet Camaro; Imports/Tuners: Mark Walters – 2006 Honda Civic Si; Custom (1949—1992): Jessica Kilby – 1950 Chevrolet Pick Up; Street Rod: Bill Youngworth – 1935 Chevrolet Coupe; Historic (pre 1949): Edward Cockey – 1929 Ford A Roadster; Muscle Car, Mopar: Dave Shaw – 1966 Dodge Coronet; Muscle Car, Ford: Bob Johnson – 1968 Shelby GT500 KR; Muscle Car, GM: Bob Baxter – 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396; Jeep/Truck/SUV (Pre 1992): Ross Gilbert – 1964 Chevrolet Pick-Up; Jeep/Truck/SUV (Post 1993): Wayne Simms – 2006 Ford Pick-up; Stock (1949—1992): John Maners – 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air; Foreign (Pre 1992): George Hubbard – 1959 Mercedes 190SL.
Net proceeds from the car show were approximately $15,600, and will be divided between the Library and the Jarrettsville Lions.
“We are delighted with the success of the 3nd Annual Romancing the Chrome Car Show,” said, Steve Bevard, King Lion of the Jarrettsville Lions Club. “Our motto is: We Serve. We are proud to have served Jarrettsville and the surrounding community for more than 65 years. Like our annual carnival and very popular flea markets, the car show is a fun, family-friendly event that benefits the entire community.”
The Jarrettsville Lions Club is a 501C3 charitable organization whose mission includes the promotion of good citizenship, to take an active interest in the cultural and social welfare of the community, provide a forum for open discussion, and encourage residents to serve their community without personal financial reward. The Lions Club will use proceeds from the car show to support their Leader Dog Program which provides service animals to sight impaired individuals.
The Harford County Public Library Foundation will use their portion of the proceeds to help fund the Summer Reading Program, Little Leapers Collection, and other projects outside of the Library’s operating budget.
“We are proud to participate in an event that supports so many meaningful programs in Harford County,” said Mike Baldwin, General Manager, at Keene Dodge and the Presenting Sponsor. “The Library and the Lions Club work tirelessly to make the car show better each year and it shows! It was another outstanding event!”
Keene Dodge is a third-generation, family-owned and operated business in Jarrettsville featuring a full line of Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles. In addition to the Library and the Jarrettsville Lions Club, Keene supports several local charities each year.