Summer on Wheels: Enjoying Car Shows with Dad

“ 'round, 'round, get around, I get around, yeah. Get around, 'round, 'round, I get around I get around.”

Do you remember these lyrics by Brian Wilson and Mike Love of The Beach Boys? They may not be the stuff of literary scholarship, but they do evoke the freedom of the 1960s’ American obsession with cars and cruising. Perhaps your dad can’t get around like he used to, but he may be up for a visit to one or more of the Lehigh Valley’s car shows and displays.

Heather Glen Senior Living’s personal and memory care community is located in Allentown, PA, in the midst of the Lehigh Valley. The Lehigh Valley is known for its car enthusiasts, including Dopey Duncan, a local 50s radio personality who opened a local drag strip where hot rodders could unleash their energy in a safe, legal way.

The Valley is also home to America on Wheels, a nationally known museum that documents America’s role in the evolution of the automobile. With its ever-changing exhibits, programs, and kid-friendly interactive stations, AOW emphasizes the rich culture of automotive America.

Why take Dad to an auto show or event?

For anyone growing up anywhere in the U.S. in the ‘50s and ‘60s, motorized vehicles touched our lives in some way. In an era when it was easier to distinguish one model from another, and the hottest cars had painted flames and dual exhausts, teenage lives revolved around wheels.

A car show is a great way to either share memories with Dad or just listen to his tales of Main Street cruises, drive-in movies and burger joints, and 25¢-a-gallon gasoline. Ask Pop what it was like to sit in the car while an attendant with a white uniform pumped the gas, cleaned the windshield, and checked the tires and oil.

A trip with Dad to a car event is worth it to hear, “I had one just like that!” or “I took your mom to our first date in that Corvette!

Here are some Lehigh Valley auto shows and events

Das Awkscht Fest in Macungie is the Big Daddy of auto shows. For over 61 years, it has been a summer tradition for all ages. Over a 3-day period, you can get lost in fields of antique and classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Flea markets, shows, toys, a beer garden, sales and barters, and kids' stuff offer something for everyone.

The sun will be shining, the engines will be revving, and the coffee will be brewing as we approach the tenth annual spring and summer Cars & Coffee series in the Lehigh Valley. This monthly series, presented by Koch Automotive Group, features cars ranging from classic to exotic. The events (including breakfast) begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at noon. Owners take pride in showcasing their imports, muscle cars, and European classics in a relaxed environment.

The first Tuesday in August is National Night Out. This year (2025), it falls on August 5. It will be celebrated by a car show in Grange Park, Upper Macungie, that boasts more than just cars! There will be car show awards and prizes, fire, police, and EMT displays, K-9 demos, rides, zoo, fun stuff for kids, and, of course, food and music. Heather Glen helps support our local community by being a Visionary Sponsor! Visit the Heather Glen booth for some helpful information—and goodies! Proceeds benefit The Sanctuary at Haafsville.

How to prepare for a “drive” down memory lane with Pop

• It’s always a good idea to check the Internet or other sources for the latest information on costs, times, and other details. Check the weather forecast, too.
• Be aware of any special needs your father has and make sure they can be accommodated.
• Ask Dad about his experiences with cars, e.g., first car, favorite car, dream car, breakdowns, shared rides, Revell or Aurora or other model kits, hot metal steering wheels and dashboards, etc.
• Leave time and energy for parking and walking (and picture-taking!).
• Take time to talk about the day when you bring Dad home.

Make this a summer on wheels, a special time of bonding around those monster metal memory makers! If Dad is able to drive, let him drive. If a car show is not on the agenda or if there is extra time, go for a drive.

If you’re interested in learning more about life at Heather Glen Senior Living in our personal or memory care community, or would like to see our community for yourself, give us a call at (610) 841-4478 or fill out our online form today.