Text and Photos: Justin Wynn Since 1976, the Pumpkin Run Nationals has been an institution in southwest Ohio. Run by local street vintage car club, Fastiques, this show started out as most shows do with about 30 cars and a bunch of guys that just want to hang out and show off their work. Little did they know that their little show would explode into the largest show in southwest Ohio with an average turnout now around 2800 vehicles every year. Filled to the brim with over 60 vendors, a huge swap meet, live bands, and even dance contests, there is loads to do throughout the weekend. Held the first weekend of every October at the Clermont County Fairground in Owensville, Ohio, the show is held over four days, beginning on Thursday. The only stipulation of the show is that all entries must be vehicles that were made pre-1970, a tradition that has continued since the very beginning. Instead of having regular trophies for individual classes, the show offers many different kinds of awards, such as a Top 50 award and Best of Paint awards. Those in the show can choose to be put in several different sections organized by make, such as Ford Country and Bow Tie Country, which also have their own awards. But perhaps the most special award is the Mike Acree Memorial Award, given to a street rodder that has or is overcoming something within their life, such as a serious illness, in memory of Fastiques’ previous president who passed away. But probably the best and most important aspect of this show is the sheer amount of money that the club is able to generate to donate to charities. Since the beginning of the show, Fastiques has been able to donate more than $620,000 to Shriner’s Burn Hospital alone and will be giving another $50,000 on December 5th from this year’s show. There are a number of charities that are supported as well, such as the Earth Angel Foundation, which gives dream trips to terminally ill children, and the Saint Rita School for the Deaf. With such a rich history within the southwest Ohio community, don’t expect this show to be going anywhere anytime soon. For more information, check out their website at pumpkinrunnationals.com.
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