Classic Car Show Will Benefit Stan Deen Foundation

Steve Loewen grew up in New Holland and attended Garden Spot High School (GSHS), where he took part in Garden Spot Performing Arts productions under the direction of Stan Deen.

Nate Deen, also a GSHS graduate, was taken in by Stan as a troubled teen. Their story has now been told on the big screen via the award-winning movie "Brave the Dark."

In spite of both men growing up in close proximity, Steve and Nate had never met until early 2024 when they happened upon each other in the lobby at Penn Cinema. They got to know each other better over a few lunches at The Split. Both Steve and Nate are self-admitted "car guys," so, it was no surprise when Nate offered to help out at the 2024 car show Steve oversees each July in New Holland.

The meeting has now proved providential for the pair, who will partner to present the 2025 New Holland Classic Car Show. This year's 44th annual event, which will benefit the Stan Deen Foundation, will be held in the New Holland Community Memorial Park, 400 E. Jackson St., New Holland, on Sunday, July 13, beginning at 9:30 a.m. when cars may enter the show field. As in the past, vehicles to be judged must be registered by noon on Saturday, July 12. The event will be held rain or shine.

"It's a way to introduce the Stan Deen Foundation to the New Holland community," said Nate. "This is where it started."

Josh Graber, president of the Stan Deen Foundation, went even further in describing the connection between the foundation and New Holland, noting, "It's a way to give back (to the community)." Pointing out that residents of the local area embraced Stan and Nate's story, Graber said, "The New Holland community was highly influential in making 'Brave the Dark' happen. We want to give back to the community to Steve and those involved."

The Stan Deen Foundation became its own entity in late 2024. "Our mission is to educate and inspire passionate individuals to advocate for vulnerable youth in their communities," said Graber, adding, "A lot of people have resonated with Nate's story, so there are opportunities to show 'Brave the Dark' at different places." Although still a fledgling organization, the foundation was recently acknowledged on the Pennsylvania State Capitol floor while the body was in session, followed by a question-and-answer session with 96th District Rep. Nikki Rivera. The foundation has also given money to the Bill Zee Scholarship in partnership with the Touchstone Foundation. "We are doing some initiatives," stated Graber, who explained that a film workshop for teens was recently held in Kensington, and the foundation donated a camera as part of that effort. As an added special treat, Nate will bring the 1973 Z28 Camaro used in the movie "Brave the Dark" to the show this year. More information about the foundation may be found at http://www.standeenfoundation.org.

The 2025 car show will celebrate the Corvette, and Steve hopes to have a number of the cars at the event. "There are seven or eight generations of Corvette body styles," explained Steve. "I want to have two of each body style in the feature area in front of the bandstand." Steve also hopes to have lots of other Corvettes in the regular class.

As in the past, the show will feature cars from a number of decades, vintage tractors, and a variety of engines. New this year for children will be Kids' Pedal Car Drag Racing from 12:15 to 3 p.m.

Cars entered in the show will be judged in 30 classes. Judging for the Spectators' Choice Award will begin at noon and cease at 2 p.m. When spectators enter the show by donation, they will be given a ballot to vote for their favorite car and will be entered in the door prize drawing. Door prize winners will be announced at 3 p.m. Awards will include the Carl S. Sauder and Tom Wagner memorial awards, which will be given out at 3:10 p.m. along with the Best of Show and Spectator's Choice awards. Other car, tractor, and engine awards will be given at the same time.

Music for this year's event will be provided by two new bands. Smoka Polka will perform from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., followed by The Nomads, playing from noon to 2:15 p.m.

A variety of food items will be available for purchase from food trucks that will sell items at the event. Among those will be Joe on the Go Coffee Co., which will sell iced coffees and pastries; Hen House Grilling & BBQ; NiCE SiZE FRiES; and Lickity Split.

Car owners who have questions about the show may contact Steve at loewen58@yahoo.com or call 717-413-6229.