„Mes važiuojame 2012!” („We Drive 2012!”) – In Pasvalys

„Mes važiuojame 2012!” („We Drive 2012!”) – In Pasvalys

Often, when seeing an antique car passing by, we stop and turn back to look at it. Some of us marvel at it, some go back into remembrances of the past, others just are pleased to see it. However, it is rarely that people know how much patience and effort, not even speaking about time and money, it is required so that those old and rusty antique cars could be brought back to life. Not everyone understands that some people can talk longest hours sharing their impressions from past shows, parades and antique car festivals. You might think of such people as „fanatics”. Perhaps they are. However, antique cars, especially antique vehicle parades bring joy to everyone.

Gaz 69 – Militia

In Biržai, antique car parades are not new. The very first one was organized by „Klasika” Club. The Club often attends events organized by colleague groups. It has become a tradition to participate in the international parade-show entitled „Mes važiuojame!” (We Drive) which takes place in Pasvalys. The chief organizer and founder of this event is Eugenijus Malinauskas. It wasn’t surprising that on Saturday, „Klasika” Club members polished their antique cars and started driving towards Pasvalys. Before the trip, club members made a few laps around the native town of Biržai. Onlookers especially admired militia „Willys Jeep” Gaz 69, which belongs to D. Linkevičius. All in all, 12 historic automobiles from „Klasika” Club participated in the parade in Pasvalys. Participants from all over Lithuania and neighboring countries lined up their vehicles in the parking area in Pasvalys. The organizer of the event, E. Malinauskas, announced that 150 antique vehicles were present in this year’s event.

„Klasika” – in Pasvalys

After the registration ended, participants slowly drove towards the center of Pasvalys. Crowds of spectators came to see especially rare and not so rare antique automobiles, motorcycles, trucks and tractors. When participants were passing the center of town, their vehicles were described by „uncle” Malinauskas. Spectators expressed their feelings by cheering and clapping. Later on, the participants drove to Kiemeliai, where the show took place. Historic vehicles were lined up according to the year and country of make for spectators’ convenience. There was enough entertainment for everybody. Some admired historic vehicles and talked to the owners, others listened to the music or tasted refreshments provided by various companies. World War II battle re-enactment drew a lot of attention. The Russians were represented by members of „Retromobile” Club from Kaunas, and the Germans were represented by „Redut” Club members from Riga.

Kiemeliai

German and Russian military vehicles and aviation were presented in the re-enactment. By the way, Jak-12 plane, flown by Gediminas Venskus, came from Biržai Aero Club. In the evening, everyone enjoyed actors from „Keistuolių teatras” who sang „stolen songs”. Later, a laser show was held. The festival was a great success. The most important thing was that people who foster old traditions received a lot of attention and their antique vehicles were admired. There will be more similar events organized, perhaps even as soon as next year.
The coming events for the „Klasika” Club are the Antique Vehicle Show in Ukmergė on June 2 and the traditional Historic Vehicle Show in Biržai on August 4, 2012. In Ukmergė, the antique vehicle show will be a part of the city’s festival „Myliu Ukmergę!” (I love Ukmergė), and in Biržai, the show will be a part of the traditional Biržai City Festival. Everyone is invited. We hope to see you there!