- The Wheels of Time August Rod Run and Jamboree is returning to Macungie Memorial Park at 7 a.m. Aug. 25-27
- Admission is $10; those under age 16 are free
- The event attracts thousands to view more than 1,500 classic street rods and custom cars, and raises money for local charities and scholarship initiatives, organizers say
MACUNGIE, Pa. — Hot rods will be revving in Macungie this weekend as more than 1,500 street rods and custom cars motor into the borough for the 44th annual Wheels of Time Rod and Custom Jamboree.
The event, which runs Friday through Sunday and features vehicles from 1993 and older, draws thousands of spectators and participants while raising an annual average of $40,000 to local charities and scholarships, organizers said.
At 6:30 p.m. Friday, an “Evening Cruise” involving jamboree vehicles will depart from the Allen Organ property on Route 100 and drive through Lower Macungie Township and Upper Milford Township.
State police said that may cause traffic delays.
Organizers said it will be the first Friday night cruise in two years for the event, and will be open to the first 150 show cars that sign up at the show Friday.
Cars will leave the organ factory and head south on Route 100, then turn onto Buckeye Road, Chestnut Street, Cedar Crest Blvd, Lower Macungie Road and finally Willow Lane, then back to Route 100 before re-entering the park.
Various attractions
In addition to the cars, show highlights include various vendors, cars for sale, crafts, children's entertainment and bingo.
Live bands are set to play each night — including Flirtin With The Mob, The Allentown Hobo Marching Band and Flamin Dick and the Hot Rods.
Special features this year advertised by the organizers include:
- Henry and Sue Wilts Dorney Park Speedway Memories
- Old Time Plow Boys antique Farm equipment and Tractor show
- TV show cars, featuring The Nightrider and the Red Barron
- America on Wheels display
- Tribute to veterans with info booth
- Rusty Frank and his Vargo Dragstrip Willy's pickup
- S and W Race cars
Much like the Das Awkscht Fescht car show earlier this summer, and other large events, Wheels of Time serves as a fundraiser for the nonprofit-run park.
The jamboree is the club’s premier event each year.
State police said troopers and members of Emmaus Police Department will have an increased presence during the event and will patrol the area for motorists who operate vehicles in a manner dangerous to the public.
Police reminded motorists to be sure their vehicles meet state inspection and equipment standards before operating them on roadways.
Raising money for local causes
The event is run by the Wheels of Time Street Rod Association of the Lehigh Valley, a nonprofit that holds classic car events throughout the year and supports local vocational-technical school scholarships.
To date, officials with the association said it has donated more than $1.3 million to local community organizations, awarded more than 300 scholarships, and given hundreds of pints of blood to Miller-Keystone Blood Center as a result of its events.
A mobile blood donation site will be on the jamboree grounds on Sunday for donations.
Organizers are also collecting non-perishable food items to donate to local food banks.
