Cape May-Lewes Ferry announces classic car shows June 28-29

Cape May-Lewes Ferry officials have announced that classic car shows are planned at both ferry terminals as part of the 50th Anniversary Celebration Weekend. The car shows will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on consecutive days during the weekend of June 28-29 at both terminal locations. Registration is free.

According to Rhona Bronson, director of marketing for the Cape May- Lewes Ferry, the classic car show is a natural tie-in to the ferry’s 50th anniversary festivities. “For the past 50 years, the ferry has handled more than 14 million vehicles, the first one being a 1964 Mustang,” Bronson said. “It’ll be great to see the types of vehicles that made those early trips aboard the ferry.”

Bronson noted that both shows are open to all classic makes and models of vehicles, but that the 1960s-era vehicles are preferred. The car show will have 10 award categories, including Best of Show, the People’s Choice, and Best of 1960s.

The Cape May Terminal Classic Car Show will take place Saturday, June 28, while the Lewes Terminal Classic Car Show will be held Sunday, June 29. Staging will begin at 7:30 a.m. Free passage aboard the Cape May-Lewes Ferry will be available to those classic car owners who are represented at both shows. All participants will be invited to participate in an informal parade through downtown Cape May or Lewes.

Space is limited. Classic car owners can register at www.cmlf.com/50th. For more information on the car show, go to CMLF.com or call 609-889-7273.

Immediately following the car shows, the Cape May- Lewes Ferry terminals will host festivals to celebrate the service’s highly anticipated 50th anniversary. The celebration weekend will include live entertainment, carnival games, children’s activities and an outdoor screening of the WHYY documentary “A Billion Mile Journey” on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. A dedication ceremony - including a buried time capsule and unveiling of the legacy brick design at both terminals - will commemorate the ferry’s 50th anniversary. The Cape May festival will take place June 28 while the Lewes celebration is set for the following day.

The Cape May-Lewes Ferry, which is operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority and serves the Twin Capes region of Cape May, N.J. and Lewes, began operations on July 1, 1964. On that historic date, the first ferry vessel departed the Lewes terminal at 6:47 a.m., carrying eight vehicles and 15 passengers. Over the years, the ferry has transported more than 43 million people and 14 million vehicles across the Delaware Bay. Cars from each of the 50 states and numerous foreign countries have made the ferry trip and over one billion miles have been covered during the 50 years of round trip travel.

For schedule, rates and other program information, go to CMLF.com or call toll free, 800-643-3779.