![]( "A family examines vehicles at Cochrane’s Collision Center during the 2017 Hobos and Hot Rods Festival. The West Nassau Historical Society expands the event to the Hobos, Hot Rods and Heroes Festival and Car Show Saturday. It features music, a car show, vendors and an appreciation ceremony for veterans at and near the Callahan Depot.")
A family examines vehicles at Cochrane’s Collision Center during the 2017 Hobos and Hot Rods Festival. The West Nassau Historical Society expands the event to the Hobos, Hot Rods and Heroes Festival and Car Show Saturday. It features music, a car show, vendors and an appreciation ceremony for veterans at and near the Callahan Depot.
The Hobos, Hot Rods and Heroes Festival and Car Show returns to Callahan Saturday.
The West Nassau Historical Society hosts the free family-friendly event 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Callahan Depot.
Classic and antique cars and trucks will again be on display at Cochrane’s Collision Center across the street. The car show is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This year military veterans will receive recognition and commemorative D-Day tote bags. Cara Curtin will serve as guest speaker for the veteran-themed presentation. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m.
“It’s our second fall festival,” event co-chair John Hendricks said. “It’s very important to honor our veterans and highlight our year-round mission to promote awareness of our rich and diverse history in Nassau County.”
A hobo scavenger hunt is planned around noon. With the hobos’ connection to railways and train travel, the event lends itself to the special theme. Hobos were known to live with less and reuse and recycle, according to Hendricks.
A variety of food and art and craft vendors will be on hand.
Nassau County 4-H Robotics Club members host a slot car demonstration onsite along with other activities for children to enjoy.
“We bring a slot car track and the kids can race on it,” said Robotics Club Leader Doug Gates. “We’ll also have a console of home arcade games for kids to try and then we’ll have LEGO Battle Bots so the kids can battle each other.”
Local entertainment features a variety of musical artists, including Buck Lucontro, Benny Alford and Friends, CopperBlue Band, Four Barrel, Randall Smith and Elizabeth Mobley and Random Tandem. Joel Pace Piano and Music students will perform and provide hands-on music demonstrations.
“Come out and enjoy some family fun,” event co-chair Emily Baumgartner said. “It gives everyone a chance to learn about the history of hobos. And this year, another venue to honor Nassau County’s veterans.”