BETHLEHEM, Pa. (WFMZ) — The Lehigh Valley Auto Show is off and running. “Accelerating Excellence” is this year’s theme.
From Wednesday, March 18 through Sunday, March 22, 400 luxury, domestic and import cars will be on display across three pavilions at Lehigh University’s Goodman Campus.
Dan Moyer, who serves as the executive director of the Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association and the Lehigh Valley Auto Show, said last year the show had a record 62,104 attendees. They hope to beat that number this year.
“In Domestics, there is a lot happening there. We have the Boy Scouts who are going to be here with their Derby Races. We have the Pit Stop Challenge back once again” Moyer stated.
The biggest change to this year’s line-up, Moyer told us, is the annual gala, which is now called the ‘Cars and Kids Because We CARe Gala.’ Previously taking place on opening night, it will now be held on Saturday at Wind Creek.
“It is open to the public. There are some tickets still available. All the funds we raise from the gala is going back to that particular branch of the GLVADA. It’s a great way to spend your evening and a great way to give back to the community,” Moyer said.
Wednesday’s opening night was free to first responders and military.
This is EMT Eric Aquino’s first year as a community partner of the event, through his Gray Strong Foundation.
“I run a non-profit that helps people with Parkinson’s move forward and bring resources to the Lehigh Valley. I got diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2018, two weeks after my 40th birthday. I went looking for resources and didn’t find any,” Aquino explained.
He decided to start his own organization providing support and resources.
“If anyone needs resources with Parkinson’s or someone needs somebody to talk to, I’m always here and you’re not alone in this disease,” Aquino stated.
The Lehigh Valley Auto Show runs from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.