Record-Breaking Generosity: A Look Back at Our 2020 Car & Bike Show

In a year defined by uncertainty, one thing remained constant: the incredible generosity of our community. When we look back at the 10th Annual New Hanover UMC Car and Bike Show in September 2020, we are reminded of how our supporters came together when it mattered most.

Andy Yonkovitch’s 1948 Pontiac Torpedo is a rare beauty and I’ll bet it turned a lot of heads between Gilbertsville and New Hanover driving to and from the show.

A Community Coming Together

At the 10th Annual New Hanover UMC Car and Bike Show in Gilbertsville on Sept. 5, you never know what might pull up to the registration tent next. This military relic is Boyertown’s Julius Banyai’s 1954 Dodge M.37 Weapon Carrier.

2020 was a challenging time, and many events were canceled. However, the lack of summer events—combined with fantastic weather—brought out a record number of entries for our 10th annual show in Gilbertsville.

Tim Reid of Boyertown drove his 1935 Chevy Coupe street rod to the 10th Annual New Hanover UMC Car and Bike Show in Gilbertsville on Sept. 5.

The turnout was truly heartwarming. A record 386 vehicles entered the show, offering something for everyone—from antique classics and muscle cars to trucks and motorcycles. For many enthusiasts, it was the first opportunity to connect with one another in person since the previous year.

More Than Just a Show

Don Derrick had a pair of mannequins, appropriately named Victoria and Edsel, displayed with his 1956 Ford.

While the cars were the star of the show, the true focus was on our mission. Thanks to the overwhelming support from attendees, volunteers, and the community, we were able to raise over $7,500 for Happy 2 be Home.

Here’s a car that you rarely see at the car shows. Dan DiPasquale of Norristown brought his 1953 Buick Special 2-door sedan with a 1972 402 big block under the hood.

As Pastor Gil Vining shared on the New Hanover United Methodist Church Facebook page at the time:

“We had such an amazing time… Thank you to everyone who came out to support this event and to our volunteers who made this amazing event happen!”

Celebrating the Winners

Danny Pacifico of Muhlenberg Township, Berks County, captured the coveted Best of Show trophy for his 1940 Chevrolet Business Coupe street rod.

The competition was fierce, with special awards presented across numerous categories, including:

Happy 2 Be Home Pick: Harrison Fromm – 1923 Ford T-Bucket

Best Engine: Mick Dornes – 1932 Ford

Best Paint: Paul Santoni – 1968 Chevelle

Best Motorcycle: W. Walker – 1940 Harley-Davidson with Side Car

Best Ford: Ron Heidenreich – 1957 Thunderbird

Best GM: Joe Williams – 1967 Chevelle

Best MOPAR: Ken Schell – 1972 Road Runner

Best Antique: Alan Kaufold – 1929 Willys Dump Truck

Best Street Rod: Claire Bingman – 1938 Ford Coupe

Best Classic Muscle: Ken Bennett – 1965 Mercury Comet

Best Modern Muscle: Mike Althouse – 2005 Chrysler 300

Best Custom: Wes Cassel – 1955 Chevy

Best Street Machine: Mark Sagrantz – 1969 Camaro

Best Competition: Lil & Ron Kistler – 1963 Plymouth

Best Truck: James Rothrock – 1956 Chevy Pickup

Best Import: Bob Daniels – 1956 VW Bug

Best of Show: Danny Pacifico – 1940 Chevy 2-Door Business Coupe Street Rod

In addition to the aforementioned Special Award winners there were also Top 40 Trophies awarded.

A Foundation for the Future

You simply couldn’t ask for a better day for the 10th Annual New Hanover UMC Car & Bike Show and the fantastic weather brought out a record number of entries for the popular event.

The funds raised that day were vital in helping us continue providing home modifications for families in need. This event remains a proud milestone in our history, showcasing what we can achieve when we stand united.

A record number of 386 vehicles entered the 10th Annual New Hanover UMC Car and Bike Show in Gilbertsville on Sept. 5. It didn’t take long to fill the spacious parking lot and entries soon filled up the overflow parking lots before the baseball field was put into play. That 1968 Camaro convertible belongs to Jeff Smith of Gilbertsville.

We are so grateful to everyone who played a part in making that 2020 show a record-breaking success. Your continued support is what allows us to keep building, helping, and caring for families in our community.

Photography and caption credits: Carl Hess, for MediaNews Group. The sources for this post were originally published on September 9, 2020 in the Reading Eagle.

Additional photos taken H2bH Board Member, Bob Clark.