Bob Parrish, president of Antique Automobile Club of America, from left, presents the I. C. Kirkham National Award to Peter Catanese, North Alabama Region board member, at the Antique Automobile Club of America’s national meeting in Philadelphia, Pa. CONTRIBUTED

HUNTSVILLE – The North Alabama Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America has had a banner year and their national recognition proves it.

The local automobile club earned the prestigious I. C. Kirkham National Award for record membership growth in 2016. By growing more than 25 percent, the Huntsville-based club outperformed all other regions of the 60,000-member National Antique Automobile Club of America.

The Kirkham award is presented to the region with the greatest gain in membership, according to a weighted formula that considers the number of new members acquired and percentage of increase.

Peter Catanese, local board member, accepted the award on behalf of the club at the national banquet in Philadelphia, Pa. on Feb. 11.

“The North Alabama Region is very active and participates in several local events where the public can enjoy and learn about antique automobiles. Receiving this award is an honor and the club’s growth shows how important the antique automotive hobby is to the community,” local president James True said.

The local auto club also hosts its annual “Car, Truck, Motorcycle Show and Flea Market.” “The show features something for everyone and spectators are always welcome free of charge,” True said.

This year’s show will be held May 20 at the Huntsville/Madison County Senior Center on Drake Avenue in Huntsville. The show is a judged event for vehicles 25 years and older with separate classes for modified and production vehicles.

NAR members love driving their cars and the club participates in many community events, such as the Huntsville Veterans Day parade, Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll and automobile displays at various assisted-living facilities.

Auto club members are dedicated to preservation and enjoyment of the antique automobile. “The club’s vision is to encourage membership participation in antique automobile-related activities, including displaying, touring, technical sessions and supporting other antique car group activities,” True said.

The club strives to offer innovative, interesting and rewarding antique car programs to the entire membership. Ownership of an antique automobile is not a prerequisite for membership.

Founded in 1935 and headquartered in Hershey, Pa., Antique Automobile Club of America has members in 50 states and more than 50 countries and is the world’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of vehicles of all types 25 years and older.

For more information, email president@naraaca.org or visit the North Alabama Region website at NARAACA.org or national website at aaca.org.