n the week leading up to the its antique and classic car and truck show, the Bedford Historical Society’s meeting place, Schoolhouse 7, is packed with a variety of raffle baskets and hand-painted signs in preparation for the big day.

“This year is going to be more extensive. In the past, people bought tickets for us to raffle things off. This year, people can put their tickets into separate buckets in front of each item they want to raffle for,” said Bedford Historical Society co-President Joan Reeves.

Reeves, Bedford Historical Society co-President Margaret Wiggin, and car and truck show committee members Matt Surette and Susan Deyermenjian were hard at work making the final preparations for the seventh annual car and truck show, which will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, July 14, (rain date is July 15) in the front parking lot at Bedford High School.

“The past six years, Greg Zimmerman organized all the previous car shows. This year, car and truck show committee members Gwen Broder, Jane Blais, Donald Burrill, Margaret Goodrich, Frankie Sidore, Kay Klein, Matt Surette and Susan Deyermenjian have taken over the responsibilities,” Reeves said.

According to Wiggin, cars that are at least 25 years old qualify as antique cars. However, the Bedford Historical Society encourages anyone who has a car, truck or motorcycle to participate.

“We’re not too picky,” said car and truck show committee member Surette. “It’s more for fun.”

Surette, who has attended multiple antique and classic car and truck shows, said typically, judges critique vehicles on the basis of originality, paint and condition.

“This is not the same type of judging event. However, we will have available prizes for participants,” Surette said.

“This show will have a Best in Show Award where those who choose to participate in the car show can vote for their choice of best car, truck or motorcycle. There is also a People’s Choice Award where any spectator can vote for their best choice of vehicle,” Wiggin said.

“The kids can also vote for their favorite car, and there will also be a scavenger hunt,” Surette said.

To register a car, participants must make a $10 donation, and general admission is $5 per person. Some of the raffle items include a “super soup” basket, model toy cars, “chilly dilly” basket, gift certificates to Bedford restaurants and business, Supercuts hair product basket, and more. The Bedford Men’s Club will offer hot dogs and drinks for purchase, and the The Inside Scoop will have ice cream.

“Very few have registered upfront for the show. However, last year many of the participants registered the day of,” Reeves said. Reeves also said the last car show had a combined total of about 125 cars, trucks and motorcycles.

“People love to show off their cars.” Surette said. “That’s why they have them.”

All proceeds from the event will go to the Bedford Historical Society. According to Reeves, the historical society has two funds, one for the restoration of old buildings in town and one for general funds.

“It’s the historical society’s goal to have support from the town to have events families can attend,” Deyermenjian said. “It’s good for kids to become interested in antique and classic cars. It keeps the history alive.”

Katelyn Dobbs can be reached at 594-6549 or kdobbs@nashua
telegraph.com.