Car Show will benefit future museum

By Erin O'Connor

Staff Writer

WESTFIELD "This is the 26th year of this event but the third year in which it is being held at Stanley Park," said Gary Francis of the Pioneer Valley Military Transportation Museum (PVMTM).

The PVMTM will host the 26th annual Mopar Expo Car Show and Swap Meet at Stanley Park, 400 Western Ave., on May 21 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Chrysler Dodge Cooperation, which owns the Mopar trademark, sponsors the event.

The Expo will headline with James Best, known to Baby Boomers as Rosco P.Coltrane from The Dukes of Hazzard, signing autographs accompanied by the authentic Dukes of Hazzard General Lee and Rosco's police car.

The proceeds from this event will benefit the PVMTM, Inc. in the construction of a "living" transportation Museum to be built in Westfield at the Barnes Municipal Airport.

This type of museum will feature items in motion such as automobiles, boats, and airplanes, Francis said.

"The items are collected and donated," Francis added. "This Museum will be great for tourism, field trips, and there are numerous rental capabilities."

The Mopar Car Show and Swap meet is accepting entries for muscle cars. All makes and models are eligible for entry into the show. Members of the community are invited to register early morning on the day of the vent. Pre-registration is also welcomed and this deadline is May 13. To pre-register contact Francis at 562-1345. Forms can be obtained at www.pvmtm.org. There is a $20 registration fee that can be reduced via coupons available at New England Dodge Dealer locations.

The Red Cross Bloodmobile will be at Stanley Park the day of the Expo from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., and anyone who donates blood will receive a family 4-pack of tickets to the event. Regular admission is $5 for spectators, ages eight and up.

Ground has been broken on the Museum but Francis and members of the PVMTM urge those in the community to become involved.

"It is a volunteer status project," Francis said.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the PVMTM, may contact Francis at 562-1346 or the Museum, 562-1813.

More information may also be obtained at www.pvmtm.org.