Chevrolet Volt to make appearance at car show

By LARRY RINGLER Tribune Chronicle



LORDSTOWN — The futuristic Chevrolet Volt will make an appearance, but so will a family to have a wish granted for a seriously ill child.

An American Idol talent show will be a draw, but so will the opportunity for families to get their car child safety seat checked to make sure its installed properly.

The General Motors Corp. Lordstown Complex second annual Community Car & Bike Show promises all that and more during its run from 9 a .m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the sprawling carmaking complex.

Last year’s show attracted 800 vehicles and more than 10,000 spectators. It was recognized by Cruisin’ Times magazine as one of the top 10 nonprofit car shows in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan and New York.

‘‘We want to start celebrating the area’s automotive heritage. It’s strong and getting stronger,’’ Lordstown spokesman Tom Mock said.

The show will feature the Volt concept car that’s built on the chassis made at the Lordstown Complex for the Chevrolet Cobalt. The car can run 40 miles on an electrical charge before using any gasoline, and can be charged overnight at a household plug.

A number of gasoline-ethanol powered vehicles also will be displayed, along with the Tony Stewart No. 20 Chevrolet NASCAR racer.

United Auto Workers Local 1112 President Jim Graham invited the entire community to the show, saying the goal is to draw more than 10,000 people this year.

‘‘This is the place to be. Bring your family,’’ echoed UAW Local 1714 President David Green.

Family activities will include child car seat safety checks, along with games and prizes. Professional boxing championship contender Kelly Pavlik is scheduled to be a judge at the American Idol talent show.

Proceeds from show vehicle entry fees, Chinese auctions and other events will go to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeast Ohio and the Rich Center for Autism.

Make-A-Wish Regional Manager Julie Scarsella said an honorary family is scheduled to attend to get its wish granted for a child with a life threatening illness, adding the local GM employees are ‘‘fantastic.’’

George Backus, director of the Rich Center for Autism, said it costs $40,000 to $80,000 for each of the children for whom it cares. The center has 50 children and about that many on a waiting list.

‘‘The car show means everything to our organization,’’ she said.