Classic cars, community spirit and a celebration of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary came together as the La Habra Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2026 Patriot Day Car Show on Saturday, September 5.
Held at 4300 N. Harbor Blvd. in Fullerton, the four-hour event brought car enthusiasts, families and community members together for a patriotic celebration featuring classic automobiles, food vendors, awards and photo opportunities.
This year’s event carried an additional patriotic theme as the nation prepared to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, 1776–2026. Against a backdrop of red, white and blue, vehicles representing nearly a century of automotive history competed in categories ranging from vintage and muscle cars to imports, trucks and modern performance vehicles.
Taking the event’s highest honor, Best in Show, was Bob Hamermehl with his 1956 Chevrolet 210 Sedan.
In the Best Muscle Car category, Ricardo earned the top award with a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z28, while Don Johnson’s 1966 Shelby GT350 was named runner-up.
Alfred Rodriguez took Best Vintage Pre-1960s with his 1947 Chevrolet Fleetline, followed by runner-up John Manzano and his 1933 Ford Roadster.
The Best Classic Cruiser award went to Richard Rosales for his 1968 Chrysler Newport, with Mike Sanchez’s 1964 Chevrolet Impala earning runner-up honors.
Sean Rocke’s 1954 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup was named Best Utility, while Al Alvarez captured Best Foreign with his 1973 De Tomaso Pantera. John Zavala’s 1969 Volkswagen Beetle was runner-up in the foreign category.
Representing the newest generation of vehicles at the show, Robert Gonzalez earned Best Modern with his 2023 Dodge Challenger GT.
The La Habra Area Chamber of Commerce also selected a personal favorite from the field, presenting the Chamber’s Best award to Philip Miles and his 1975 Jeep CJ5.
The show continued a growing tradition for the La Habra Chamber. Promotional materials for this year’s event featured the 1932 Ford Roadster that captured Best of Show honors in 2025, connecting last year’s winner with a new field of competitors.
The event was presented by the La Habra Area Chamber of Commerce, with special thanks to A.J. Kirkwood & Associates, Inc.
While the gleaming chrome, custom details and beautifully preserved automobiles drew plenty of attention, the gathering was about more than just cars. Coming days before the anniversary of September 11, the Patriot Day event offered an opportunity for neighbors to gather in a spirit of community and patriotism while also looking ahead to the nation’s historic 250th anniversary.
From a 1933 Ford Roadster to a 2023 Dodge Challenger, the award-winning field represented generations of American automotive culture — and the owners who continue to preserve that history for the next generation.
By Linnette Falcon / La Habra Chamber of Commerce
