Apr 15, 2015 3 min read

The Observer-Reporter and Community Bank will roll out the inaugural Washington County Auto Show this weekend at the Washington County Fairgrounds.

The event, which will feature 13 area car dealers representing 24 franchises, will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and is free to the public.

“It’s the first time Washington County has had an auto show of this size,” said Matt Miller, the O-R’s director of sales and marketing.

The auto show is the latest attraction to be launched under the newspaper’s O-R+ initiative, a membership program that provides numerous events and promotions throughout the year with the goal of rewarding subscribers while involving the community and local businesses.

While all major brands of vehicles will be featured, some dealers will bring “halo cars,” high-end, unique models designed to draw attention to their brands, Miller said.

Miller and Carole DeAngelo, the O-R’s event marketing manager, stressed that the show is a family event.

In addition to being able to see the latest cars, trucks and motorcycles, daily entertainment and activities for children will include the Wild World of Animals and Bouncy House of Fun. Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch will appear Saturday for a “meet-and-greet” with visitors to help raise money for Washington Area Humane Society.

Food vendors will include Angelo’s Restaurant, Krency’s, the Springhouse, Countryside Deli, Hogfathers, The Golf Club of Washington and The Meadows Casino.

A total of 50 local businesses will also have booths at the show.

DeAngelo said the auto show is the first of several events under the O-R+ program designed to give something back to the community.

“We’re trying to identify any type of event or activity that would benefit the community as a whole,” she said.

“Most of the focus is on families, but it can also involve other niche areas,” she said, noting the upcoming “Corks & Kegs Festival” scheduled for Aug. 22 and 23 at The Meadows Casino, will feature craft beer, local wines, food and music.

DeAngelo added the O-R+ events are being designed to eventually grow into regional attractions.

“We want to be a partner with Washington County tourism and have our events be a part of the reason people want to visit Washington County,” she said.