Nearly 500 registered show vehicles filled Nelson Ledges Race Track on Labor Day for this year’s Zachary Peterson Memorial Car Show, bringing together family, friends, car enthusiasts, local businesses and community members for a day of remembering Zachary Peterson while continuing his legacy of helping young people pursue careers in the automotive field.
The overwhelming support shown throughout the day was a reflection of the community’s continued commitment to Zach’s memory and to the mission of the Zachary Peterson Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Featuring close to 500 registered cars, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles, filling the available event space at the track — hundreds of visitors came out to enjoy the show, participate in the Chinese Auction, support the scholarship fund and spend the day with friends and family.
From the generous businesses and individuals who donated to the Chinese Auction to the volunteers who helped make the event possible, the vehicle owners who filled the show and the community members who came out to offer their support, organizers expressed their heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved.
The generosity of the community is what allows the Zachary Peterson Memorial Scholarship Fund to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of local students.
Monies raised through the annual car show and other fundraising efforts allow the organization to provide students attending Maplewood Career Center with the tools they need and to pay their entire program fees for both their junior and senior years. The scholarship fund also provides scholarships to graduating seniors who are continuing their education and entering the automotive field.
Over the past two years, the Zachary Peterson Memorial Scholarship Fund has provided assistance and scholarships to close to 20 students from the James A. Garfield, Windham and Crestwood school districts.
While the annual event continues to grow, those involved say it remains about much more than the vehicles, trophies and fundraising.
The event is about keeping Zachary’s memory alive.
It is about remembering the person he was and honoring his life by taking the love and memories shared by his family and friends and turning them into opportunities for young people who share an interest in the automotive industry.
The event also featured another collection of unique trophies, which were designed specifically for this year’s show by Zach’s cousin Austin. Considerable thought and effort goes into creating a new and memorable trophy design each year, giving winners something special to proudly take home.
The Zachary Peterson Memorial Car Show has become an annual opportunity for the community to come together, remember someone deeply loved and missed, and create something positive in his name.
And with this year’s incredible turnout organizers are already looking ahead to next year’s event.
To stay up to date on this incredible event, purchase event memorabilia and get the latest scholarship news, visit www.zachpetersonmemorial.com. You can also follow us on Facebook Zach Peterson Memorial Car + Bike Show.
