The roar of the engines means one thing … the 33rd Annual Pace-Makers Car Show was back at the Palmerton Borough Park the day before Father’s Day.

Pace-Makers, when stands for “Palmerton Area Car Enthusiasts, Money Achieved for Kids Engaged in Recreation and Sports,” brings out the best cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles to the park. Terry Costenbader is one of the founding members of the group.

“The first show we did in 1989,” Costenbader said. “We had 289 cars at that show.”

This year’s entries were expected to be lower because of the economy, especially the prices of gasoline.

“Everyone has been telling me that the turnout on these shows has been dropping off. But it’s not bad.”

The show is open to just about anything; pre-war, classics, muscle cars, exotics, trucks, Jeeps and motorcycles. Some are restored to original condition, some resto-mods, some in the early stages of restoration.

“If it’s got four wheels and a motor, it’s good,” Costenbader added, laughing as he eyed two vehicles that appeared to be on the losing end of a demolition derby.

The people who bring the cars have a love for their vehicles. Tony and Martha Rezeli brought a 1975 MG Midget and a 1978 Volkswagen Super Beetle.

“We do car shows all over,” Tony Rezeli said. “I’m originally from Palmerton, I grew up here. This is our first time here at this show.”

A group of people got together to hold the first show in 1989. In 1990, several of those people founded Pace-Makers. All of the profit from the shows is donated to organizations that provide recreation for area youth. As of last June, the group has donated more than $88,750 to the community.

Pace-Makers will take part in Rockin’ Rescue 10 at the Weissport Borough Park on July 9, and the Palmerton Rolling Cruise 2022 on Aug. 17 at the Palmerton Borough Park.

For information, visit the website at www.pace-makers.org or call Terry at 610-826-3393.