ATHOL – They sat, noses out, displayed in an array of colors that ranged from candy red to baby blue. Thirty-two classic vehicles lined up alongside Silver Lake on June 2 for the 11th annual Dick Phillips Dust Off Car Show presented by the Athol Lions Club.
Attendees voted for their favorite cars whose owners were awarded plaques sponsored by local businesses and car enthusiasts.
Winners included: Arnold Wetherby for his 1964 Malibu, Dennis Hebert’s double-winning Mustang and Ford Truck, Dennis Whidden’s 1965 Malibu, Mike Maselli’s Corvette, Barry Robichaud’s 1957 Chevy, Joe Chiasson’s “Green Machine,” Kevin Heath’s 1960 Chevy, John Craddock’s 1957 Chevy, Susan Bridges’ Rat Rod, Joe Raughtigan’s 1956 Ford Pickup, Vern Cook’s 1968 Camaro, Don Thompson’s 1967 Mustang, Bill Thorp’s 1938 Chevy, Pete James’ Thunderbird, Jim Ewing’s 1955 Nomad, Charlie Ballou’s 1939 Plymouth Coupe, and Dave Flint’s 1968 Camaro Z-28.
Raughtigan’s ‘56 Ford Pickup won the Dick Phillips Memorial Award. The trophy, made of pieces from Phillips’ parts collection, was created by Vic Chaplin of Orange.
Wright’s Welding awarded Flint’s Camaro with the Edward N. Thompson Memorial Award for ‘Meanest Muscle Car.’ A surprised Flint remarked, “In all the years I’ve been participating in this car show, this is the first time I’ve won!”
The Lions’ Weenie Wagon sold food and beverages and the Enfield Machine Works provided live classic music.
Proceeds from the show and the 50/50 raffle will benefit the Richard C. Phillips, Jr. Pavilion Fund, Silver Lake Park Maintenance and other community projects.