For the past 12 years, Hollister Christian Fellowship — now South Valley Community Church — has hosted a free event inviting more than 100 classic car owners to display their vehicles to the public. Attendance over the past few years has been in the hundreds. Organizers say many families consider this their special Father’s Day gift to their dads and granddads.
The event was the brainchild of a few men, including Don Skow, then pastor of the church; Mike Corbin, inventor and founder of Corbin Pacific; and Rich Hershey, local business owner. They wanted a car show in which everyone could bring their dads for a Sunday afternoon and see some cars from their generation and beyond. They wanted it to be affordable so they made it free, which it is to this day.
Three years ago a woman from Merced, approached one of the volunteers and said, “Thanks for doing this. My dad has not been too well, but when I heard about this I thought it might encourage him.” And encourage him it did. He walked around looking at every car, knowing a lot about the different makes and models and talking to the car owners. He told his daughter it was one of the best Father’s Days ever.
What will guest find when they come to the free car show?:
- Free parking
- Free admission
- Free music and prizes
- Dozens and dozens, (close to 100 classic cars)
- Five food trucks with foods ranging from hot dogs to tacos, pulled pork sandwiches and Hawaiian Ice
It’s all happening Father’s Day, June 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at South Valley Community Church, 2350 Technology Parkway in Hollister.
The church is a multi-site church that has served in the community for more than 30 years. Its vision is “To be a regional church and educational center with community transforming influence sending people across the street and around the world.”