Hagerty Family Car Fest attracts families, kids

ALLENTOWN, Pa. _ On Aug. 5, Hagerty held the first-ever Hagerty Family Car Fest, where nearly 100 youth and adults were able to drive and experience a variety of iconic cars.

“In an era of disposability and constantly changing technology, there is a myth that younger generations are less interested in driving,” says McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty. “We saw parents and kids put down their smartphones for a bit of analog fun. The many smiles and excitement throughout the day prove that people of all ages still share a passion for the automobile.”

The event was held at the NB Center for American Automotive Heritage. Families with kids as young as two years old were able to participate in driving-related activities including pedal cars, gas-powered vintage cycle cars, and a Ford Model T experience. Participants of all ages also took part in model car building, slot car races, and simulators for driving and painting vehicles.

Throughout the day, drivers were able to get behind the wheel of vehicles from the 1930s through the 1970s, including a 1934 Buick Model 91 Club Sedan, a 1951 Hudson Hornet H-145 Sedan and a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS.

“Seeing the kids have fun and smiling while behind the wheel of old cars, including many from our collection, is what it’s all about,” said Keith Flickinger, curator of the NB Center for American Automotive Heritage. “While many car events have a ‘look, but don’t touch’ mentality, we want people to have a hands-on experience.”

The next Hagerty Family Car Fest will be held at Edenvale Aerodrome in Stayner, Ontario on Sunday, September 24, 2017. Information for future events can be found at www.hagerty.com.