Yes, but this one was for a good cause. Make that two good causes. One was the U.S. Marine Corps' Toys for Tots program, and the other was raising funds for a local center that treats sick children.
This little scene is put on every year by a guy who is (a) quite wealthy and (b) has a collection of classic cars and military equipment, mostly German. The military vehicles -- including a Volkswagen Kubelwagen and a Schwimmwagen, as well as a variety of BMW motorcycles -- date from World War II. He provides tons of food for those who attend, and encourages everyone -- especially kids -- to look, touch and ride in his vehicles.
PARENTHETICAL LOUSY-PHOTOGRAPHY-AHEAD WARNING: I wasn't trying to take good pictures. These are snapshots, showing kids -- and more than a few adults -- having fun. No "art" involved.
Mercedes-Benz cooperates every year and, among other cars, brought this exact copy of the very first 1886 Benz automobile. It was driven until every kid got a ride...
The guy who put on the show has a genuine 1891 Benz, and gave rides as well...
...when he wasn't putting around with his 1945 NSU "Kettenkrad" tracked motorcycle full of even more kids...
One of his friends brought a 1958 Messerschmitt baby car and did the same...
What little boy wouldn't want to "drive" a VW Kubelwagen?
This girl -- and her father -- rode on/in everything that ran, and sat on everything that didn't, including this wartime BMW motorcycle and sidecar...
The Marines, bless 'em, collected a huge stash of toys. They were given a warm welcome by the crowd, some of whom had their pictures taken with them...
Seeing happy kids and knowing others are being thought of and helped. That's about all the Christmas I need.
10 comments:
Happy kids and neato vehicles and a good cause sounds like Christmas to me, too, Scribbs. I love those little Messerschmitts.
oh man! you got to keep these pics!!! was mercedes trying to improve on the stage coach???? had to be a fantastic time for everybody! and this one can't think of a better cause! thanks!
you brightened my day:)
Bud
dal and Bud -- I have twice been a passenger on/in the the "original Benz" copy...but, soppy bastard that I am, I was more pleased by seeing kids' delight at riding the beast.
I love these photos. Merry Christmas.
Roz
Good pics, Ebenezer!
That sounds like good fun and a good cause.
Kit
This Russian so wants a ride in that Messerschmitt!
What a grand event! Great pictures of a fun time. Thanks.
awwww, my favorite is the one with the 1958 Messerschmitt baby car. Those kids look like they are having fun :)
That looks like a good time. Everyone seem to have enjoyed it. Good to know there are things like that going on out there
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