PORTLAND — It’s not too late to register your car for today’s “Calling All Cars” show at the Portland Motor Club at 275 Presumpscot St.
The event, organized by Portland Police Chief James Craig, is being held today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will include dozens of vehicles in 13 categories, live entertainment and a host of raffles, events and displays.
Portland Motor Club Membership Director Kal Rogers said some 50 people had pre-registered their cars on the club’s website. Attendees can also register in-person at the event.
The cost of registration is $15. Proceeds support the police department’s Police Athletic League, a youth crime prevention program..
The 13 categories of cars are: sports cars, street rods, trucks, teen-owned vehicles, motorcycles, pre-1950s cars and autos from each decade since then.
Judges include Chief Craig, Bar Mills resident and professional driving instructor Stephanie Reaves and Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram Executive Editor Scott Wasser.
Craig was inspired to establish “Calling All Cars” as a way to reach out to young people in Portland. The show is similar to one Craig organized when he was a captain in South Los Angeles.
Craig says cars provide a great opportunity to build bridges with teenagers. A car aficionado himself, Craig owns a 1970 Pontiac GTO and a 2007 Corvette Z06.
The show will include a Text-and-Drive Obstacle Course, where visitors can experience the dangers of behind-the-wheel phone tapping, car detailing demonstrations, a Burn-Out Event and a “Seat Belt Convincer” that simulates the jolt of low-speed accidents.
There will be raffles and entertainment by the Maine Academy of Modern Music and radio stations WYNZ 100.9 and WJZP 105.1.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
