Doylestown At Dusk Car Show Brings Amazing Rides, Big Crowds To The Streets

DOYLESTOWN, PA — Blue skies, low humidity, and smoke-free air had organizers of this year's Doylestown At Dusk car show breathing easy on Sunday after postponing Saturday's event due to the threat of severe weather.

"We stressed a lot over changing the date from yesterday to today, but I think we can all agree. We made the right call," said Rick Millham, during opening remarks at Sunday evening's event.

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Upwards of 25,000 people again descended on the county seat for Sunday’s show, which drew more than 500 automobiles and trucks and raised thousands of dollars for charitable causes in Bucks County.

From West Street to Pine Street, the borough bustled with the sights and sounds of this year’s show, which rolled into town at full throttle thanks to the efforts of the Doylestown Rotary Club, which stages the show to raise money for community causes.

The Rotarians opened the show with the presentation of the colors by American Legion Post 210, the National Anthem sung by Springbrooke lead singer Ryan Williams, and welcoming words by Doylestown Borough Mayor Noni West.

The American Legion Post 210 Color Guard presented the colors during the opening ceremony. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Springbrooke's lead singer, Ryan Williams, performs the National Anthem. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Show chairman Rick Millham. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Doylestown Borough Mayor Noni West. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

“Since 2009, Doylestown at Dusk has filled our town with incredible cars and thousands of people who share a love of automobiles and community,” said Mayor West, in commending the Doylestown Rotary Club and its sponsors for organizing the event. “This event is more than showcasing remarkable vehicles. At its heart, Doylestown at Dusk is a fundraiser that makes a difference in the community. Each year, Rotary donates the proceeds to local nonprofits serving our neighbors in need."

Muscle cars, vintage Model As, trucks, and super expensive Ferraris and Porsches were among more than 500 vehicles appearing in the show set before a backdrop of stately Doylestown homes and prominent business establishments.

At the heart of the show, Doylestown firefighter Bill Price was again showing off the company’s pride and joy, its 1923
restored antique Aherns-Fox pumper, while its ladder truck displayed a giant American flag above the five points intersection.

The story continues below the photos.

Doylestown firefighter Bill Price next to the company's antique Aherns-Fox pumper. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Cars from Menard Premium Auto Detailing. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

Springbrooke performing at the car show. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

The Ghostbusters were tracking down ghostly apparitions on Main Street. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

Nearby, Menard Premium Auto Detailing of Doylestown was showing off several high-end vehicles, including eight high-end Porsches and BMWs displayed in a rainbow of high performance along West State Street.

The excitement on the streets was palpable as crowds of people checked out a century’s worth of automotive excellence, from Ford Model As from the early 1900s to today’s flashy Corvettes.

At times, it was shoulder to shoulder as people filled the streets, checking out the cars and trucks. Even the famous Ghostbusters made an appearance on South Main, ready to slim any ghostly apparition.

For the first time, portions of Main Street and East State Street were included in this year’s show, providing more room for visitors to enjoy the show, set against Doylestown's iconic downtown streetscape.

Restaurants and eateries throughout the heart of town did a brisk business. So did Simply Fresh where employees were making burgers and hot dogs for hungry car show visitors.

Meanwhile, at center stage in the heart of the show grounds, the popular band “Springbrooke,” was jamming with classic rock tunes. They were followed by Wineskin, another popular car show band

One of the best things about the show is that the proceeds will be funneled back into the community in support of the needy.

During a pause in the music, the Doylestown Rotary Club gave away $45,00 in grants from money raised from last year’s show. The recipients included the Bucks County Opportunity Council, the Bucks County Health Improvement Program, Pearl S. Buck International, Helping Friendly Farm, River Crossing YMCA, VITA Education Services, A Woman's Place, Hands Holding Hearts and TLC Childcare.

Rotarians present a check for $5,000 to BCHIP. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Rotarians present a check for $5,000 to River Crossing YMCA in Doylestown. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

For more than 20 years Bruce Rutherford helped run the Heart of Bucks car show at Central Bucks West High School. In 2010, with the popularity of the show dwindling and on street shows blossoming, Rutherford approached the borough about relocating the show to State and Court Streets.

The first year of the show was a resounding success due to the show’s new setting against the dynamic and beautiful downtown backdrop.

One year later, Rutherford decided to bring the show under the umbrella of the Doylestown Rotary Club. The Rotary also gave the show a conduit to direct the proceeds to community nonprofits serving the most needy in the community.

This is the 17th year that the Doylestown Rotary Club has organized and presented the Doylestown At Dusk Car Show.