Gentlemen…and ladies… start your engines" for the annual Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP), presented by SHOP 'n SAVE, beginning Friday, July 10 and running through Sunday, July 19. The free event, which draws more than a quarter-million car enthusiasts to Schenley Park in Oakland, will feature vintage auto racing with a BMW theme this year showcasing vintage and classic BMWs.
SHOP 'n SAVE will host a hospitality tent located on the Schenley Park Golf Course on July 18 and July 19 across from Schenley Drive, providing great proximity to the many colorful events, which kick off July 11 with the Cocktails and Tailpipes reception at Fox Chapel Country Club from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. The event will feature well known Pittsburgh Pop artist Burton Morris who will be autographing his colorful race car art, as well as live and silent auctions of racing memorabilia.
Event attendees can put their driving skills to the test in the Kellogg's NASCAR Simulator. Silver Star Meats, locally owned since 1964, will serve its hot dogs and D'italia sausages at the hospitality tent all weekend. Music and entertainment will be provided during the weekend by BOB 96.9 FM and Q92.9 FM, and the Steel Pan Combination Band will be back by popular demand. Other attractions include an appearance by the Turkey Hill swirled cow mascot, who will be passing out ice cream samples; the Hagan Company sampling its tasty popsicles; the Carnegie Science Center's 'Color Caper' van; and on Saturday and Sunday, the popular Oscar Mayer® Wienermobile will once again be at the SHOP 'n SAVE tent.
"SHOP 'n SAVE is proud to continue its support of this fine tradition in Pittsburgh, especially during these difficult economic times," said Rich Haeflein, advertising manager from SUPERVALU, which supplies the independently owned and operated SHOP 'n SAVE stores. "This is SHOP 'n SAVE's ninth year as presenting sponsor and the independent owners and operators are glad to support the event that not only provides a week of free entertainment for the whole family, but also raises money for worthwhile charities. To date, $2.4 million has been raised for Allegheny Valley School and the Autism Society of Pittsburgh. SHOP 'n SAVE customers are able to contribute to the charities through in-store purchases of paper license plates."
"The Vintage Grand Prix is a Pittsburgh tradition that offers entertainment for the family, as well as racing enthusiasts," said PVGP Executive Director Dan DelBianco. "We greatly appreciate the support of SHOP 'n SAVE and the hundreds of volunteers who help make the event possible. And most of all, we thank its customers whose donations support local charities."