On Saturday & Sunday, June
16 & 17, the Owls Head Transportation Museum celebrates America’s passion for cool cars with its annual Hot Rods, Customs, Muscle Cars & Antique Aeroplane Show. Gates open at 9:30 am.
“Colorful” is the word Museum Director Charles Chiarchiaro uses to describe this annual event. “We’ll have everything from 1930s hot rods to 1970s muscle cars, plus the many custom creations that have evolved. They all combine to make this one of our most popular events.”
From hot rods to rat rods, motorcycles to bicycles—come show off your custom ride. Although the theme is custom vehicles, owners of pre-1992 vehicles are always welcome to exhibit at this and all other Museum (non-auction) events at no charge.
Members of Wicked Good Vintage Racing Association are expected to be on hand with a selection of classic racers from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.
Vote for your favorite vehicle. All attendees will have the opportunity to cast a ballot for the People’s Choice Award. Winners take home a personalized mug featuring a photo of their vehicle.
As part of the day’s activities the Museum will actively demonstrate a few of its turn-of-the-century automobiles as well as give free rides in Ford Model Ts. Special children’s activities and Museum tours are planned. There will be plenty of fun for the whole family.
Young children can practice their driving skills in the Kids Corral area, which features more than a dozen pedal cars and pedal planes. Admission is free for all visitors under 18.
The antique aeroplane show will start promptly at 9:30 a.m., weather permitting.Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy a chance to see the Museum’s pioneer aircraft in action. Airplanes such as the 1910 Farman, 1912 Curtiss Pusher and 1913 Etrich Taube fly best in the calm conditions of early morning. So plan to attend early and enjoy refreshments from the Caboose, the Museum’s on-site concession stand.
Aircraft conservator Karl Erickson and a team of volunteers have been working tirelessly on getting the Museum’s fleet of World War I-era biplanes ready to take to the skies. Back on the flight line will be the 1918 Standard J-1 and 1917 Curtiss JN-4 or “Jenny” both of which were made popular by barnstormers of the 1920s. Also seeing action will be the 1917 Nieuport 28C.1, 1916 Sopwith Pup and of course, the 1917 Fokker DR.I triplane (aka the Red Baron) among others. An open flightline will allow visitors to get an up-close look at the planes as well as talk to the pilots.
Rain or shine, visitors will have access to the Museum’s indoor collection of dozens of antique cars and aeroplanes. The Museum ‘s newest exhibition MGs & Microcars showcasing a unique collection of vehicles from the 1920s, 30s and 40s.
Event admission is $12 for adults. Children under 18 and Museum members are free. All new and renewing members who sign up at the event will be entered in a drawing for a biplane ride aboard our 1941 Stearman. Drawings are held at noon and at 3 pm. The Museum Store will be open and features a large inventory of books, diecast models, children’s items and more.
Gates open at 9:30 am. Food and refreshments, provided by French & Brawn Marketplace, will be available at the Caboose Pets are not allowed in the Museum or outdoor exhibit area.
Open daily, year round, the Owls Head Transportation Museum is located at 117 Museum Street (off Rt. 73), two miles south of Rockland.