Folks revved up their engines one last time at the final Crazy for Cars Car Show, benefitting AWSOM Animal Shelter.
MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — The heat was beating down on these hot rods at Memorytown in Paradise Township near Mount Pocono, but it didn’t stop car lovers and animal lovers alike from coming out to the Crazy for Cars Car Show.
“Today is our 15th annual Crazy for Cars Car Show. To benefit awesome tribute show my husband put on,” said Janice Takacs, Crazy for Cars Car Show host.
Jim Takacs started the benefit show 15 years ago but lost a battle to leukemia 5 years ago.
“We’ve been continuing the show ever since,” said Janice.
“My dad was a big part of the car show community. We went to a lot of car shows and supported, and my dad thought, you know, one year we can do this, and 15 years later, we’re still doing it. It’s been very successful. Like my mother said, we have great support from the community,” said Diane Takacs, Crazy for Cars Car Show co-host.
Every year, the car show benefits the Animal Welfare Society of Monroe.
“All of the animals that Awesome takes in are from Monroe County, and we take in the ones that need the most help: the abused and neglected, the sick. This is what Awesome does in our area. So, a lot of this money goes towards shelter medicine,” said Rich Homar, president of AWSOM.
It’s the love of animals and the love of classic cars that keep folks coming back year after year.
“We come to the show every year. I only lived up the street at one time. And since they’ve been having it, it’s like a local show you come and support them,” said Phil Mosteller, Tobyhanna.
“I’ve been coming out for four years now. And every year is different different faces. A lot of familiar faces also. It’s good to be here and support, knowing that all the money the proceeds go to charity, helping out the community,” said Abdallah Ahmed, Stroudsburg.
“It’s really been a great show. I personally have a puppy from AWSOM at my house. We come here to support AWSOM, and we just love cars,” said Mike Higgins, Scotrun.
But this year will be the show’s last, “Unfortunately, we are retiring the show after today. We will make an announcement at the end of the day when we have the trophy ceremony, and we’re going to thank everyone for their support,” said Janice.
Organizers say over the last 15 years, the show has raised tens of thousands of dollars for AWSOM and they hope someone takes over the event to continue it for years to come.