Cruisin’ in Mahanoy City to kick off summer

By Kaylee Lindenmuth

MAHANOY CITY – Nearly 60 vehicles, ranging from new muscle cars to classic hot rods, ex-military Willys to 80’s trucks, and more were on display Saturday afternoon before cruising through Mahanoy City for the Citizens’ Fire Company’s annual car cruise.

Besides show cars, the event also featured food vendors, including Bonnies Dogs, Lost Creek, and the Rolling Macaroni, plus a bounce house on Catawissa Street.

Cars began lining up around 9am in the lot across from the Citizens’, and, at 1:00pm, judging began on the vehicles.

The event had a “pretty decent turnout,” according to event organizer Pete Walinchus. He said they hope to improve and grow the event each year.

The event also featured a 50/50 ticket raffle and door prizes as well.

At 3:00pm, the vehicles began their three lap cruise of Mahanoy City, tailing behind the fire company’s Tower 48-20. Afterward, trophies were presented to the best in 11 classes, as well as best in show. 

Taking home best in show was a pair from Barnesville, Ken and Kyle Karlavage, with a 1932 Chevy Confederate. 

In the Corvette class, a Columbia County man won first place: Gary Williams, Bloomsburg, and his 1958 Corvette. In second was Logan Coleman, Berwick, with a 1975 Corvette, and third was Mike Harris, Mahanoy City, with a 2019 Corvette.

In the Truck category, Aaron Schultz, Gilberton, and his 1975 Chevy Scottsdale won first, while John Wanoshik, Lofty, with a 1957 GMC and Bob Dillman, Frackville, with a 1972 GMC, took second and third respectively.

The rest of the winners are as follows:

Coupe/Street Rod Class

1. Ken Rentschler — 1967 Chevy Camaro — Hamburg
2. Bob Brown — 1966 Ford Fairlane — Palmerton
3. Harry Lewis — 1970 Buick — Andreas

Motorcycle Class

1. John Bowman — 2018 Harley Davidson  — Mahanoy City
2. Dorson Hess — 2005 Harley — Barnesville
3. David Clewell — 2007 Honda — Barnesville

Mustang Class 

1. Joe Muzzy — 1967 Ford Mustang 
2. George Demyanovich – 2007 Ford Mustang — New Ringgold
3. C. Stanchick – 2011 Ford Mustang — Orwigsburg

Street Machines

1. Tom Fegley — 1971 Chevy Nova — Tamaqua
2. Gene Brown — 1965 Oldsmobile 442 — Jim Thorpe
3. Hunter McGuire — 1969 Chevy Camaro — Mahanoy City

Jeep Class

1. PJ O’Boyle — 1985 Jeep CJ-10A — Frackville
2. Shane Finnernan — 1947 Willys — Mahanoy City

Import Class

1. Brandon Brown — 2017 Honda Civic — Pottsville
2. Rosario — 2016 Mini Cooper — Barnesville

Factory Original Class

1. Dora Harner — 1957 Chevy 210
2. Carl Starkoske — 1966 Dodge Charger

Factory Muscle Cars

1. David Kost — 1969 Pontiac Firebird — Nesquehoning
2. Bernie Carter Jr. — 1968 Oldsmobile 442 — Catawissa

Antique Fire Trucks

1. Schuylkill Historical Fire Society — 1984 Mack MC — Shenandoah
2. Pete Rinaldi — 1980 Ford C8000 — Auburn

About Author

Kaylee Lindenmuth

Kaylee Lindenmuth is a Shenandoah native with a passion for journalism and the community she calls home.

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