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Fourth Annual Collector Car Appreciation Day Set for July 12, 2013

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Our auto hobby's "holiday" is back! Exciting events such as this one, hosted by the Deerfield Lions club at Yankee Candle Village in South Deerfield, Massachusetts, will be held in honor of the occasion.
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International interest in the celebration continues to grow, as evidenced by this gathering of beautiful rides at Mick’s U.S. Musclecars & Classics in Sydney, Australia, last year.
SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils announced that the next Collector Car Appreciation Day will be celebrated July 12, 2013. The date marks the fourth consecutive commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

SEMA and its councils will once again seek a congressional resolution to recognize the day's significance. The industry endeavors to preserve our nation's automotive heritage while providing well-paying, high-skilled jobs nationwide. Collector Car Appreciation Day is a singular tribute to the collector car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.

“The U.S. Senate helped launch Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing resolutions each year at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As we prepare for the fourth celebration of our nation’s automotive heritage, enthusiasts and related businesses are already planning open houses, car cruises, club gatherings and educational events throughout the world to mark this annual commemoration. In fact, Collector Car Appreciation Day is quickly taking on a global character, with events held in the United States, Canada and Australia.”

The previous resolutions were sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC). Senators Tester and Burr have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington and recognize the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation's appreciation for the automobile's unique place in our history. The Caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America's ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports.

“Over the past three years, thousands of enthusiasts and collectors have celebrated their hobby at events throughout the country,” said Alex Tainsh, ARMO chairman. “The event continues to grow in prominence as a summer holiday for the hobby. This year, we look forward to partnering with enthusiasts, car clubs and businesses to make this the largest celebration to date.”

Rick Love, HRIA chairman-elect, said, “Collector Car Appreciation Day is an opportunity for hobbyists to share their passion for the automotive hobby. Each year, more events are held to raise awareness of the unique educational and economic impact of collector car enthusiasts across the globe.”

SEMA will maintain and publicize a list of scheduled events to commemorate America's time-tested love affair with the automobile. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Colby Martin, director of the SEMA Action Network (SAN), at 909-978-6721 or san@sema.org. If you are unable to celebrate July 12, SEMA encourages events to be scheduled throughout the month of July.