By all accounts, including the number of vehicles present and the amount of money raised for the senior class, the first Wakefield High School classic-car show was a success, prompting organizers to plan for a bigger event next year.
The 2024 show, a fund-raiser for the senior class, was held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 20 in half of the school’s front parking lot in South Arlington. There were 69 vehicles officially registered at $20 each, but estimates had some 75 on site.
Wakefield faculty member Debbie Strauss and her husband, Bob Strauss, the school’s former long-time track and field and cross country coach and assistant director of student activities, were the event organizers. They were happy with the turnout and community atmosphere.
“The turnout exceeded what we expected, there was a nice variety of cars, and there was a neighborhood feel all day,” Debbie Strauss said.
The couple expected from as low as a dozen or so entries to as many as 50.
“It was kind of a community thing with people bringing their cars and coming out of the woodwork,” Bob Strauss said. “A lot of Wakefield alumni showed up. That was fun and it was fun to reconnect with them.”
Current Wakefield principal Peter Balas and former principal Chris Willmore attended.
Prizes were awarded to a number of entries, like best engine and best overall.
Danny Edmunds’ shiny 1957 brown and beige Chevrolet pickup truck won the Best Overall prize, and other awards, like Best Paint Job and Best Interior. (Edmunds’ son, Chris, was on the track and field team under Bob Strauss.)
A 12-cylinder 1973 red Jaguar E-Type won the award for the Best Engine.
An old mini Heckinger Hardware Store tractor was entered from the Wakefield Career Center. There were many sports cars, a race car and other classics.
The Strausses entered their bright red 1968 and 2018 Mustangs.
With the first show being popular, Debbie and Bob Strauss said they hope to arrange to have more space in Wakefield’s front parking lot for next year’s show to attract more classic vehicles.
