By Holly Martin
Calling all car lovers, gear heads, and festival lovers! The Flemings 25th Annual Pumpkin Run will take place at Flemings Auto Parts in Egg Harbor Township on Saturday, November 5. Chances are, you’ll be amazed with what you see. This event features vendors, food trucks, a flea market, and acres of cars.
The Pumpkin Run returns as the largest and coolest car show on the east coast. Rick Broschard is the Public Relations Director for the Pumpkin Run, and recalls watching the junkyard transform every year for the event. “I think the first car show had maybe 25 cars,” says Broschard. “It was just a ring of cars, and every year it would grow a little bit and grow a little bit more.” Cars from all over the country come to register for the show. Including, racecars, hot rods, muscle cars, and more. Ray Abraham, Jeff Gordon’s Crew Chief, brings cars from North Carolina every year to show off.
The Pumpkin Run is made possible by an amazing group of volunteers. The event is gearing up for the close to 20,000 expected spectators and hundreds of cars. Long time volunteer Lew Ireland has painted and helped restore cars for display at the show. “We have 134 acres and we’re full,” says Ireland. “We have ’em jammed in here.”
Not only will you see some of the most beautiful cars in the world, but Flemings also hosts the most unique collection of collectibles, buildings, and museums. We took a step back in time, as we entered a restored Old Diner and sat next to Elivs and the Blues Brothers. Then, we walked over to the old gas station where the vintage candy and cigarette dispensers welcome you at the door. We went into a couple of the museums filled with race car memorabilia, photos, and collections from the Atlantic City Speedway. On our way back out, I got to take pictures of the massive “James Salt Water Taffy” barrel sign, and the “Welcome to Zaberville” sign.
Flemings Junkyard still holds all the wonders from the past. Some may have called it junk, but as you walk the many miles of the woods you will marvel at all the treasures.
There’s something for everyone at the Pumpkin Run. “You’re never going to go to another car show, anywhere, and have it like this. This atmosphere,” says Broshard. “I don’t ever call it a car show. To me, it’s a festival.” Enjoy the music, food, flea market, and never ending display of cars along with a massive “pumpkin chunkin” that will be blasting pumpkins through the air! You have to see it to believe it.
Since the 90’s, Flemings has been holding this automotive, antique engine, and tractor show. After visiting a car show in Pennsylvania, Harry Fleming and his best friend Ralph Broschard looked at each other and said we can do that!
The show starts at 8 a.m. and goes until 4 p.m. at Fleming’s Auto Parts 353 Zion Rd in Egg Harbor Twp. For more information, you can visit their website at Flemingspumpkinrun.com and on facebook facebook.com/flemingspumpkinrun
Holly Martin has been working in media since 2012. She has worked as a photographer and videographer throughout her high school and college career. Holly is a producer for WOND radio as well as fill in DJ for 103.7 WMGM Rocks. She loves being a concert photographer and working as event staff. She has worked as a reporter for Temple University’s Philadelphia Neighborhoods and submitted Editorials to the Philadelphia Inquirer. She has done multiple multimedia articles for Temple as well as Shore Local Newsmagazine. Her portfolio website is www.hollyamartin.com
