“If it has an engine, bring it!” was the message conveyed to the public by the family of the late Christopher Pekny in the lead-up to the Sixth Annual Christopher Pekny Memorial Motor Show, an annual event circling the Robin Hood Diner that honors the legacy and memory of Christopher Pekny as it raises money for students seeking trade careers.

Celebrating its sixth year, the money raised from the family-focused event goes to students with ties to the Rockland Central School District, Liberty Central School District and BOCES.

This year, two students receiving the scholarship money are striving to become mechanics, while another is practicing welding.

When the final tally is finished, the money will be directly given to the students, which will go toward whatever they desire, be it tuition, a vehicle or books, with the money going to the Christopher Pekny CTE/Trade School Scholarships. The exact amount made through donations and entrants remains unknown as of presstime.

“It’s all about community, and friendship, and family,” explained Jan Pekny, Christopher’s mother.

Although Jan didn’t have a precise count, the show saw 40 to 50 registered entrants of different vehicle types and sizes. Although she observed fewer motorcycle entrants than in years prior, Jan still remained content with the event’s turnout.

“I’m happy with it,” she told the Democrat. “Everybody’s having a good time [being at the event].”

At the end of the day, that’s what the event is all about: a love of motors and the community mingling, whether they be old friends, fellow motor enthusiasts or new faces to chat with.

Of special note were several vehicles displayed in the lot across from the diner—a collection of older cars with a special connection to the Pekny family, since her sons grew up working on them.

“That’s why they’re motorheads,” Jan emphasized.

Community support also shines from local businesses, volunteers and organizations—a hand-in-hand relationship. Jan noted that prizes and donations for the event come from sponsors, as she tries to get coupons from local businesses to encourage attendees to patronize them.

Returning this year was Chick-E-Ribs, an event staple that graciously closes its doors for the day to support the family and the event.

An eye-catcher at this year’s event stood front and center alongside Old Route 17: the “Livingston Manor Express,” a small train lovingly embellished with the NY O&W R.R. and its name, complete with matching blue and green cars dotted with floral patterns and brought by a friend of the Pekny family to the show.

Not only did the colorful express add something different to the show this year, but Jan noted how it served as an eye-catcher for the event, helped by being right up front.

Throughout the many vendors and vehicles the show brings with it, the one core aspect that has remained the same is the community members who show up to the event year after year.

“It’s a sense of community, and a sense of family,” stated Jan.

Jan believes her son Christopher, who tragically lost his life in 2021, would have been heartened to witness his friends, family and fellow community members come together in celebration of his life.

“He would think it was the best thing ever,” Jan stated before pausing in a poignant moment. “He would really enjoy it.”

Jan expressed how her son, like his brothers, was a person willing to extend his helping hand to whoever needed it, not wanting anything in return.