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JAMESTOWN – After pushback from some in the community, a new type of car show will take place in Jamestown on Saturday.
The Los Contrincantes Car Club first announced in July they planned to hold a one-of-a-kind car show this summer at Bergman Park, featuring car limbos and hundreds of awards in categories ranging from motorcycles to best old-school vehicles.
However, not everyone was in favor of hosting the event, with some residents and Jamestown City Council Members voicing concerns about the projected noise level during a city meeting in August.
Founder of the club Jose Sanchez has since worked with leaders, adjusting the timeframe of the event to appease the nearby neighborhood.
“There is always going people that are for it, and there is always going to be people that are not for it,” said Sanchez. “We are aiming to make this a yearly event.”
Following the public comment session, some, including the city Human Rights Commission, expressed concern about Ward IV Councilwoman Marie Carrubba’s comments that the loud noise was “typical for a Hispanic car show,” which Sanchez says at first appeared to be racist.
“I had a really long conversation with Carrubba, she came up to me, she apologized and said there was no intention (to be racist),” explained Sanchez. “I do believe her, some people just need to find a better wording, it happens to everybody.”
So far, over 1,000 people are expected to turn out with other car clubs driving in from out-of-state.
“Since it’s been such a huge thing working with the news, it’s been all over, I think there is going to be a lot of people up here wanting to see what it’s all about,” said Sanchez. “We invite anybody.”
Admission is $10 with car registration costing $20. Proceeds go to the club’s charitable efforts like their back-to-school backpack giveaway.
“This year we were able to give out 374 backpacks full of school supplies,” explained Sanchez, who also hosts a Christmas gift giveaway as well. “This year we were thinking about picking an afterschool program, and everyone enrolled in the afterschool program we would make sure they received their Christmas gifts.”
Local kids will also be involved in the festivities, with a power wheels competition taking place.
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