More than 75 classic cars rolled into Storybook Land on Sunday for the theme park’s 32nd annual Classic Car Show, marking a highly successful turnout for one of the region’s most anticipated summer traditions.
The single-day event is a long-standing South Jersey tradition that seamlessly blends automotive nostalgia with family entertainment.
The exhibition was held inside the park at Storybook Land, a beloved local landmark in Egg Harbor Township that was recently named Shore Local’s Favorite Amusement Park.
Chick Bell restores classic cars. He was able to restore a 1968 rally sport convertible that was on display.
The Bells say the chance for visitors to view classic cars allowed them to remember a past era.
“It always brings people back to the good old days,” Chick said.
For MaryAnn, a classic car is a terrific reminder about growing up in Vineland.
“A lot of us were of the age that these were our daily drivers and we had them when we were young and in high school,” she said. “Some people still have the original cars that they had in high school.”
“It’s a good feeling and a reminder of the great time I had growing up,” she said.
When she and her husband sit in their classic car, MaryAnn said, “We are back in our youth.”
The Bells weren’t the only ones showing off classic vehicles and enjoying the day.
“This year was fantastic,” said Dale Woods of Laureldale, who was among the dozens of local collectors showcasing their prized vehicles.
Woods, a dedicated classic car collector, brought a World War II-era Jeep that he personally restored.
For him, the event stands out from other regional exhibitions because of its community-focused atmosphere.
“The great thing about this car show is that it is a family car show; it’s not judged, and there’s no competition,” Woods said.
Woods noted that he has possessed a lifelong passion for automotive machinery. Before his retirement, he spent decades working for Sears as a service technician, a career that allowed him to utilize his mechanical skills daily.
“I have a long history with cars,” Woods added, reflecting on his journey from a young enthusiast to a seasoned restorer.
The relaxed, non-competitive nature of the showcase allowed participants and attendees to interact closely. Families who took part in the show set up picnic areas in the shade of the park’s mature trees to have lunch and share stories.
“That’s all part of it,” Woods said. “A lot of people who bring their cars are family; they bring their grandchildren, and then they sit together in the shade and enjoy the day.”
Classic car enthusiasts also said the show was a great chance to answer questions.
“A lot of people ask questions. If they’re a car person, they will ask you, ‘Well, how did you do this?’ And, if they are people who don’t own a classic car, they ask things like what is the size of the engine,” MaryAnn said.
Chick recalled a 10-year-old boy on Sunday who was seeing the classic cars for the first time.
“He loved all the cars, and he was having the time of his life,” Chick said. “Kids don’t get to see cars like this.”
The Bells also complimented Storybook Land for the look of maintenance.
“I think the biggest compliment we give all the time about Storybook Land is how clean the park is,” MaryAnn said. “We love Storybook Land. It’s just a beautiful place that’s run by a down-to-earth, and welcoming family.”
Beyond the rows of polished chrome and vintage paint jobs, the classic car show serves a critical charitable purpose, according to park officials. The gathering is also a major annual fundraiser, said Storybook Land spokesperson Jessica Panetta.
The fundraiser, established by John Fricano Jr., is held in memory of his wife, Iris.
Each year, the car show registration fees benefit the Lupus Foundation of America, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research, raising awareness, and supporting individuals living with the autoimmune disease.
The combination of historic vehicles and a meaningful cause successfully captured the interest of car enthusiasts and philanthropists throughout the tri-state region.
The cool rides on display spanned several decades of American automotive history. Highlights included a rare 1970 Plymouth Superbird, a vintage 1920s–1930s Model A Ford, a high-performance 1970 Chevelle SS, a pristine ’69 Camaro Indy pace car, and a classic ’69 Cadillac Coupe DeVille.
“The car show is held because we love classic cars here at Storybook Land,” Panetta said, emphasizing the staff’s personal investment in the event.
Cultural experts note that people frequently enjoy antique classic car shows because they offer a vibrant, nostalgic look into automotive history and industrial design.
Historian Lynn Wood of the Greate Egg Harbor Township Historical Society, a Storybook Land car show enthusiast, said such shows are invaluable to the community.
“Classic car shows are much more than a gathering of early automobiles; they are rolling history lessons. Each vehicle tells a story about the era in which it was built, the craftsmanship and technology of its time,” Wood said.
“Storybook Land offers the opportunity for families to learn how transportation has evolved through time, and offers a chance to speak with the owners who preserved these pieces of our past,” she said. “By introducing today’s youth to these classic vehicles, it encourages appreciation for automotive history and helps keep this passion for generations to come.”
For many attendees, classic cars are fundamentally a family business, with knowledge and passion passed down through multiple generations.
Visitors love admiring the unique craftsmanship of bygone eras, learning about different periods of technological innovation, and connecting with a passionate, welcoming community of gearheads and casual observers alike.
“There are a lot of car enthusiasts on staff, and it’s a great day for friends and family to come visit, see the cars and enjoy the fun environment,” Panetta said.
To qualify for entry into the exclusive show, all registered vehicles were required to be at least 30 years old and maintained in fully drivable condition.
The family-owned theme park integrated the vehicle showcase directly into its regular Sunday operations. This layout allowed daily visitors to view the expansive exhibition while simultaneously utilizing the park’s standard rides, storybook attractions, and food concessions.
In addition to the static vehicle displays, the single-day event featured live oldies music performed by the popular regional band Real Rock Drive. The park also hosted an array of family-oriented activities throughout the afternoon, including children’s hula hoop contests and trivia.
The automotive celebration aligns with a broader historic milestone for the venue this summer.
Storybook Land is actively celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary this year with patriotic American flags on display, a newly designed food menu featuring red, white, and blue nachos, and special military tributes integrated throughout the park.
The classic car show may be over for the season, but park administrators noted that another major community event is already on the immediate horizon.
Storybook Land’s “Mother Goose Muster” Fire Truck and Emergency Vehicle Show is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 18.
The upcoming July event serves as their premier Fire Apparatus and Emergency Vehicles Show, as well as a designated First Responders Appreciation Day. As part of the program, active police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and 911 dispatchers can receive a special discount on gate admission by presenting a valid agency identification card.
Visitors can find the full schedule of upcoming summer event details directly on the Storybook Land website.
The park maintains regular seasonal hours and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The park remains closed on Tuesdays for routine maintenance.
Tickets and seasonal passes are available for purchase on the official Storybook Land website.
Stephanie is a freelance writer with 40 years experience covering NJ news for The Asbury Park Press, The Courier Post, The Catholic Star Herald and The Press of AC. Email her at stephanieloder59@hotmail.com
