Annual car show to benefit local VFW

In support of local veterans, hundreds of classic automobiles and specialty cars from all over the southwest United States will be on display Nov. 7 at Timet Field, located at the corner of Water Street and Lake Mead Parkway.

The Henderson Veterans of Foreign Wars Basic Post 3848 is sponsoring their Ninth Annual Veterans Benefit Rod and Custom Car Show with assistance from the Hustlers Car Club of Las Vegas.

Post commander Tony Thomas said thousands are expected to attend the event, scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"Everyone's welcome to come out, look at some nice cars and thank a vet," he said.

About 350-400 street rods, specialty cars and classic vehicles including Mustangs and Camaros ranging in value from $5,000 to more than $25,000 will be parked on the field.

Thomas, a Vietnam War veteran and car enthusiast, drives a red 1967 Chevy pickup. Thomas said the event will feature automobile models from 1972 and older.

"It's a full array," he said. "They're all specialty cars, and they're all going to be there."

Admission to the car show is free. Food and beer will be on sale, and in addition to helping judge the winners, the public also can participate in a cash raffle. Of all the money collected, half will go to the winning ticket holder while the other half will go to the VFW Basic Post, headquartered at 401 W. Lake Mead Parkway.

The Henderson location has a membership roster of approximately 500 veterans who fought overseas. Thomas said the majority served in the Vietnam War, but newer members fought in battles in Kuwait and Kosovo.

Funds collected at the car show will help support the VFW post's building costs. Extra money will go to veterans in need, including those passing through town in need of food and lodging. Thomas said they also work to provide financial assistance to relatives of veterans who have passed away.

"We're veterans helping veterans," he said. "If we don't take care of each other, no one else is going to."

Hustlers Car Club, a community-oriented organization, will assist in coordinating the show and parking the vehicles. Car enthusiasts will travel from Nevada, Arizona and Southern California to show off their automobile collections.

The car show is the VFW post's major fund-raiser. VFW recruiters will be on hand during the day, and information also will be available for those interested in joining the military.

Thomas said the group tries to hold its yearly fund-raiser as close to Veterans Day as possible.

"It's the day America honors their veterans, both alive and fallen," he said. "It's a big day for us."


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