Custom Car Show returns as firefighters give back to community

Professional Firefighters of Maricopa are hosting their second annual Custom Car Show this month to benefit local charities.

Building off last year’s rookie success, organizers are expecting up to 100 vehicles for the event Oct. 24. The show is 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

“We’re gonna have food trucks, a DJ, multiple awards, raffle items, 50/50 raffle, stuff like that,” said Carlos Schulz of Maricopa Fire/Medical Department. “All the proceeds from this year’s events will be going to the firefighter charities here in town.”

That includes F.O.R. Maricopa’s food bank, the Maricopa High School football team and local women’s shelter.

Those with custom vehicles to show off – cars, trucks or motorcycles – can preregister or sign up the day of the event for $25. Grab a vendor spot for $20.

Attendance is free of charge.

The car show will be on the Great Lawn at Copper Sky Regional Park, in the “bean” next to the lake. Because organizers are expecting more than 50 people in the time of COVID-19, Schulz had to put together a special site plan to get city approval. That creates more space between vehicles.

The pandemic, in fact, caused the event to be postponed from March. Protocol for spectators and participants consists of social distancing and face masks are recommended, Schulz said.

PFFM is not limiting participating vehicles by age or style.

“It’s gonna be a good variety of vehicles,” Schulz said. “So, we’ll have a little bit of new, a little bit of old. And we’re looking for the variety. That actually what we’re hoping for.”

In the show’s debut last year, about 30 vehicles were preregistered, and they ended up with 75 in the show. Given the cancellation of other shows and the time of year, Schulz said it is likely to be a popular time to have an outdoor event in Maricopa.

Custom vehicles will compete by class and division such as muscle cars, sports cars and lifted trucks, with prizes in 25 categories leading up to Best of Show.

Vehicle owner can preregister at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-custom-car-show-tickets-88490169479.