By Holly Martin
Flemings’ Annual Pumpkin Run once again drew car enthusiasts, gearheads and festival-goers from across the region. Held on Nov. 2 at Flemings Auto Parts in Egg Harbor Township, this year’s event was packed with attractions. Live music filled the air while steam engines whistled by, and the sawmill worked on wood for the new “Pumpkin Run 2024” branding. This year’s highlights included a Toys for Tots collection, WOND Radio broadcasts, food trucks, a flea market, and endless displays of classic and unique cars.
Billed as one of the biggest car shows on the East Coast, the Pumpkin Run has grown remarkably over the years. “I think the first car show had maybe 25 cars,” said Public Relations Director Rick Broschard. “It was just a ring of cars, and every year it grew a little more.” Today, the show draws vehicles from across the country, from race cars to muscle cars, and hot rods to vintage trucks.
An extensive team of dedicated volunteers makes the Pumpkin Run possible, spending days raking leaves, cleaning the grounds, and organizing the vast array of collectibles. Walking through the property is like stepping back in time. Fleming’s features a restored old diner with gleaming chrome, vintage gas stations, and an array of antique signage, including a massive “James Salt Water Taffy” barrel and the iconic “White House Subs” Atlantic City sign.
Beyond the cars, the Pumpkin Run offers unique sights at every turn. Visitors can browse flea market stalls for rare car parts, or wander through Fleming’s museums, which are filled with memorabilia, photos, and pieces from Atlantic City Speedway.
“There’s something for everyone here,” Broschard added. “You’re never going to go to another car show with this atmosphere. To me, it’s a festival.” A crowd favorite was the massive “pumpkin chunkin” event, launching pumpkins high into the air—a spectacle you have to see to believe.
Since the 1990s, Flemings has hosted this one-of-a-kind car, antique engine and tractor show. It all began when founder Harry Fleming and his friend Ralph Broschard returned from a Pennsylvania car show with a simple idea: “We can do that!”
If you missed this year’s event, be sure to mark your calendar for the 28th Annual Pumpkin Run next November. For more information, visit flemingspumpkinrun.com or follow them on Facebook at 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 hollyamartin.com
