Kilbeggan club host 21st birthday American vehicle show
The Midland American Auto Club are holding their 21st birthday All American Car Truck and Bike Show (having missed two due to Covid) on Sunday next, April 23, from 11am at their showgrounds opposite Kilbeggan Racecourse.
Some attendees have confirmed they will be travelling from the UK for the show, and staying for the week to enjoy the midlands.
Admission is still €10 and free for U14 if accompanied by an adult.
American show cars, trucks, vans, pickups and bikes and occupants get in free; the club do not charge exhibitors to come to the show.
This year the muscle car burnout competition will be back, so the roar of big V8 engines will be accompanied by loads of tyre smoke.
Visiting club members will be interviewed live during the day, and American theme music will be played over the PA system around the showgrounds to create that authentic American atmosphere.
There will be an indoor and outdoor autojumble to help restorers find elusive parts or Americana.
There are automotive related vendors inside the sheds, a drawing area so kids can have a go at drawing American cars of their choice – and other events to keep kids occupied, so the parents don’t have to go home early!
There will also be a selection of food and coffee trucks.
This year non-American vintage and classic vehicles are invited to park in a reserved area in the public car park near the showfield entrance.
There will also be disabled parking near the showfield entrance.
The Midland American Auto Club was started in 2001 by two friends in Kilbeggan who shared an interest in American vehicles – pick-ups in particular – so they got together and decided to advertise for a show to see who would come.
Some 25 vehicles came that year and they were overjoyed with the response.
Now, 22 years on, the club are fortunate to have their own premises, having started with a clubhouse with a workshop.
Over the years the sheds have grown in number, the floors concreted, toilet facilities improved, the now famous burnout pad, and the outdoor music and PA system added.
There are now hundreds of members, dedicated to preserving the history and enjoyment of American vehicles in Ireland.
The founders, Joe Keenan and Kieran Mullen, are still active; Joe is chairman and Kieran is secretary and treasurer and there is a small committee to run the annual show.
The club strength is largely its easy going nature and that members can meet on Thursday nights in the clubhouse over the winter.
The show is the largest All American show in Ireland and always on the last weekend of April every year.
Some 400-plus American vehicles regularly attend, from Harley Davidson motorcycles to big rig Kenworths, Peterbilts, Internationals, Macks and Freightliners, American fire engines and pick-up trucks old and new.
Ford, Dodge and Chevy pick-up trucks are perennial favourites, and of late, Chevrolet and Dodge vans have become more popular, in addition to the many Mustangs from the 60s to the new teens, Camaros, Firebirds, Buicks, Pontiacs, Chryslers, Chevrolets, Cadillacs and Lincolns. •
• info@MAAC-Ireland.com
• www.facebook.com/midland.american.auto.club
Joe Keenan (club chairman) 087 238 8400,
Kieran Mullen (club secretary) 087 986 4199
Nick Stratta (club PRO) 085 828 9922.