ROCK HILL  — Car lovers, collectors, and curious onlookers will once again gather at the Rock Hill Fire House for the 60th Annual Spring Meet Car Show on Sunday, June 1, hosted by the Catskill Region AACA (Antique Automobile Club of America).

Celebrating six decades of automotive enthusiasm, this beloved show welcomes antique, classic, and custom vehicles of all kinds—from Model T’s to muscle cars and hot rods—and promises a family-friendly day full of nostalgia, music and horsepower.

Longtime club member Vicki Krauss shared a bit of its rich history. 

“It all started in Jeffersonville on April 30, 1964, when a club from Ellenville helped get it going,” stated Krauss. “We even had snow at that first one!”

After that chilly debut, the show was moved to a warmer time of year and has been proudly sponsored by the Town of Thompson ever since. The Rock Hill Fire Department co-hosts the event and shares in the profits, which help support local programs like BOCES.

A car show for everyone

You don’t need to own a car to be part of the fun—just a love for classic rides and good people. 

The club prides itself on being open and welcoming. “You don’t have to have a car,” Krauss noted. “Just be a nice person.”

Each year, the show features a wide variety of cars, from pre-1949 classics to Corvettes, Camaros, Mustangs, foreign makes, motorcycles, and modified trucks. Judging is done by peers, making it a laid-back but well-respected competition.

Over 75 trophies will be awarded, including Best of Show and Best Custom/Rod, with dash plaques for the first 100 registered vehicles. Show car owners should arrive by 9:00 a.m. and be in place by 11:00 a.m. to be judged.

Food, music and community spirit

Music will be provided by DJ John & Tracie, and attendees can enjoy basket raffles, 50-50 raffles, and breakfast, lunch, and beverages served up by the Rock Hill Fire Department.

“There’s something for everyone,” said Krauss. “It’s a nice family outing. And if you have a car—we’d love for you to come and show it.”

The Catskill Region AACA club is active year-round, with members gathering every Friday morning for breakfast—a tradition started simply because, as Krauss laughed, “People said do it every Friday because we can’t remember otherwise. That’s what you do when you get older.”