As president of the Prison City Ramblers Car Club, Dominick Ciampaglia has witnessed the ebb and flow of the automobile lover's passion through the decades.
The club's origin dates back to 1955, but just four years after it began, it was shut down because most of the members were serving in the Vietnam War.
Cars rested dormant inside their owners' garages, only enjoyed by the one or two people who owned them.
In about 1992, a former club member called Ciampaglia and inquired about starting the club up again.
As it turned out, many of those old cars were still around, in excellent condition and the club revved back up again, putting on its first show at the back of the college parking lot.
“We started all over again, and it started right up,” said Ciampaglia, who added that the club is now looking for new recruits to carry it into the future.
The club retained the name, which refers to Auburn's nickname as “Prison City.” The original logo was a ball and chain wrapped around a broken connecting rod.
Club members took a risk 14 years ago and held the show on June 18, Father's Day. It was one of the only days available for them to squeeze in between other car shows, and it is a day that has worked very well for them.
Last year the Ramblers boasted about 500 cars, having grown into a full-fledged show.
Making the event about more than cars, the Ramblers dedicate the show every year to one particular agency and retain only enough funds to start up the next show.
This year they will donate to the Red Cross, with the funds to be used locally.
Last year, the Ramblers raised $5,000 for Matthew House through the show. Sponsors purchase all of the trophies.
Exhibitors are asked to pay an entry fee of $10 per car and can show up on the day of the show. There is a discount for pre-registration, which can be done up until and including Saturday.
“It's a social event,” Ciampaglia said.
Many makes and models will be featured at the show, including Ciampaglia's prized 1964 Barricuda.
Its green paint changes to purple and gold depending on the angle. In 2005, displays included cars worth $100,000.
The organization, Mr. Nice Guy, will display a car as well. Awards at the show will include trophies for the top 50 cars, memorial awards, best awards, special awards and a sheriff's award.
Entertainment will be provided by a disc jockey and refreshments are available from noon until 4 p.m.
Another attraction that has grown with the show is the flea market that runs at the same time, offering everything from automobile parts to knickknacks.
Ciampaglia said that the show has a family theme and, being held in Emerson Park, children can
run around and not be near the traffic.
Cars rested dormant inside their owners' garages, only enjoyed by the one or two people who owned them.
In about 1992, a former club member called Ciampaglia and inquired about starting the club up again.
As it turned out, many of those old cars were still around, in excellent condition and the club revved back up again, putting on its first show at the back of the college parking lot.
“We started all over again, and it started right up,” said Ciampaglia, who added that the club is now looking for new recruits to carry it into the future.
The club retained the name, which refers to Auburn's nickname as “Prison City.” The original logo was a ball and chain wrapped around a broken connecting rod.
Club members took a risk 14 years ago and held the show on June 18, Father's Day. It was one of the only days available for them to squeeze in between other car shows, and it is a day that has worked very well for them.
Last year the Ramblers boasted about 500 cars, having grown into a full-fledged show.
Making the event about more than cars, the Ramblers dedicate the show every year to one particular agency and retain only enough funds to start up the next show.
This year they will donate to the Red Cross, with the funds to be used locally.
Last year, the Ramblers raised $5,000 for Matthew House through the show. Sponsors purchase all of the trophies.
Exhibitors are asked to pay an entry fee of $10 per car and can show up on the day of the show. There is a discount for pre-registration, which can be done up until and including Saturday.
“It's a social event,” Ciampaglia said.
Many makes and models will be featured at the show, including Ciampaglia's prized 1964 Barricuda.
Its green paint changes to purple and gold depending on the angle. In 2005, displays included cars worth $100,000.
The organization, Mr. Nice Guy, will display a car as well. Awards at the show will include trophies for the top 50 cars, memorial awards, best awards, special awards and a sheriff's award.
Entertainment will be provided by a disc jockey and refreshments are available from noon until 4 p.m.
Another attraction that has grown with the show is the flea market that runs at the same time, offering everything from automobile parts to knickknacks.
Ciampaglia said that the show has a family theme and, being held in Emerson Park, children can
run around and not be near the traffic.