Auto show drives land preservation goals
In Buckingham, classic cars have become a vehicle for land preservation.
Now in its 11th year, the township’s Concours d’Elegance Auto Show aims to raise awareness and financial support for the Buckingham Land Preservation Fund to protect farmland and open space in the township.
This year’s event will take place Sept. 20 at Holicong Park on Route 202.
Beginning at 10 a.m., the public can witness nearly 300 vintage automobiles — from a 1912 Ford Model “T” to a variety of Corvettes, said co-chairman and CFO Jan Tompkins.
Judging begins at noon, she said, and categories include Cars of the 1950s, Corvettes, Cars of the 1910s and Foreign Exotics.
A Pre-War trophy, in honor of show co-founder Al Pincus, and a Post-War trophy honoring James “Buck” Peters, Tompkins’ late son-in-law, also will be distributed, she said.
Attendees will have a chance to win a 1957 Ford Thunderbird, she added.
At 3 p.m., a winning raffle ticket will be drawn for the car — the eighth car to be given away at the annual show. Tickets can be purchased at the show, online at www.buckinghamautoshow.org or by calling Tompkins at 215-598-3740.
Soon after the lucky winner is announced, the show will culminate with a parade of cars and an awards ceremony for the winners of each automobile class, as well as best in show and other special awards.
While winning automobiles are celebrated at the Concours d’Elegance, the focus — farmland and open space preservation — has remained the same since its inception, said Tompkins.
“This is such a historical area of our country and county that it would be a crime to see it disappear the way so many other farming communities have,” she said.
The bigger picture, she added, is to protect local farmers.
“Their plight is immense,” said the co-chairman. “Where would we be without these hardworking, selfless farmers? Would we be forced to purchase our food from other countries the way we do oil?”
Buckingham, the largest township in Bucks County, has 3,800 acres of preserved land, according to event organizers.
About 6,000 of the township’s 21,000 acres remain undeveloped, though, and preservation enthusiasts are anxious to save prime agricultural soils, historic villages and farmsteads, scenic view sheds and more.
Staffed entirely by volunteers, the auto show is organized by a four-member board, including Tompkins’ husband, Ralph, who serves as chairman, and co-chairs Bob Glanzmann and Carmen Lanzetta.
Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children 3 and up and free for those younger.
“We hope people come to the show because of the great cars, but just as important is that it is a great day to spend with the family and donate a little money to the fund,” said Jan Tompkins, thanking sponsors and supporters of the event.
Attendees are also asked to bring a nonperishable food item to donate to a food drive. Free parking for the Concours d’Elegance is available across Route 202 on the grounds of the Midway Fire Company.
The event’s rain date is Sept. 27.
For more information, visit www.buckinghamautoshow.org or call 215-598-3740.
Now in its 11th year, the township’s Concours d’Elegance Auto Show aims to raise awareness and financial support for the Buckingham Land Preservation Fund to protect farmland and open space in the township.
This year’s event will take place Sept. 20 at Holicong Park on Route 202.
Beginning at 10 a.m., the public can witness nearly 300 vintage automobiles — from a 1912 Ford Model “T” to a variety of Corvettes, said co-chairman and CFO Jan Tompkins.
Judging begins at noon, she said, and categories include Cars of the 1950s, Corvettes, Cars of the 1910s and Foreign Exotics.
A Pre-War trophy, in honor of show co-founder Al Pincus, and a Post-War trophy honoring James “Buck” Peters, Tompkins’ late son-in-law, also will be distributed, she said.
Attendees will have a chance to win a 1957 Ford Thunderbird, she added.
At 3 p.m., a winning raffle ticket will be drawn for the car — the eighth car to be given away at the annual show. Tickets can be purchased at the show, online at www.buckinghamautoshow.org or by calling Tompkins at 215-598-3740.
Soon after the lucky winner is announced, the show will culminate with a parade of cars and an awards ceremony for the winners of each automobile class, as well as best in show and other special awards.
While winning automobiles are celebrated at the Concours d’Elegance, the focus — farmland and open space preservation — has remained the same since its inception, said Tompkins.
“This is such a historical area of our country and county that it would be a crime to see it disappear the way so many other farming communities have,” she said.
The bigger picture, she added, is to protect local farmers.
“Their plight is immense,” said the co-chairman. “Where would we be without these hardworking, selfless farmers? Would we be forced to purchase our food from other countries the way we do oil?”
Buckingham, the largest township in Bucks County, has 3,800 acres of preserved land, according to event organizers.
About 6,000 of the township’s 21,000 acres remain undeveloped, though, and preservation enthusiasts are anxious to save prime agricultural soils, historic villages and farmsteads, scenic view sheds and more.
Staffed entirely by volunteers, the auto show is organized by a four-member board, including Tompkins’ husband, Ralph, who serves as chairman, and co-chairs Bob Glanzmann and Carmen Lanzetta.
Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children 3 and up and free for those younger.
“We hope people come to the show because of the great cars, but just as important is that it is a great day to spend with the family and donate a little money to the fund,” said Jan Tompkins, thanking sponsors and supporters of the event.
Attendees are also asked to bring a nonperishable food item to donate to a food drive. Free parking for the Concours d’Elegance is available across Route 202 on the grounds of the Midway Fire Company.
The event’s rain date is Sept. 27.
For more information, visit www.buckinghamautoshow.org or call 215-598-3740.
