The community will gather once again this Labor Day to celebrate the life of Zachary Peterson and support future scholarships at the Second Annual Zach Peterson Memorial Scholarship Car Show, held Monday, September 1, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Nelson Ledges Race Track.
The event, created to honor Zach’s memory, will showcase not only classic cars but also motorcycles and tractors, giving enthusiasts of all kinds the chance to share their prized rides. Attendees will even help choose winners — the public can vote for their favorite entries by scanning the QR code on each vehicle’s registration card.
Handcrafted trophies, made with care by members of the ZP Board and Zach’s family, will be presented to the winners. Adding to the fun, there will be a huge Chinese auction featuring unique prizes, such as an antique pedal car, a bicycle, and a bass guitar, as well as a 50/50 raffle.
New this year, the show will also include a Car Raffle for a 1961 Chevy Corvair — a running project car that needs only minor finishing work. Tickets are $20 each or 6 for $100, with the winning ticket to be drawn on Labor Day.
Of course, no car show is complete without great food. Guests can enjoy the show’s famous pulled pork sandwiches for $8 or a full meal for $15. In addition, assorted food vendors will be on hand offering a variety of options.
Families will find plenty to enjoy as well. The Good Neighbor Gamerhood Family Fun Zone, sponsored by Shannan Jursa , State Farm Agent and Lisa Irwin Home Smart Realtor, will feature free toddler entertainment, free video games, and free inflatables — making this event truly fun for the whole family.
Limited edition event T-shirts will also be available for purchase.
Zachary Peterson, the son of Dan and Jama Peterson, was a 2017 graduate of James A. Garfield High School. Zach worked alongside his dad and uncle at the family business, GeeVille Auto Parts and touched many lives through his love of family, cars, and community.
One of Zach’s last special memories with his father was the purchase of a 1941 Chevy two-door sedan, a car he planned to design and customize himself. Zach passed away unexpectedly on July 16, 2023, after a short illness, but his warmth, laughter, and passion for life continue to inspire all who knew him. Zach’s family and friends have continued to work on the Chevy – which will be on display at the show.
The annual memorial car show ensures that Zach’s legacy lives on by bringing people together — just as he loved to do — while raising funds to help students pursue their future goals through scholarship opportunities.
In 2025, the scholarship fund awarded nine scholarships to students from James A. Garfield and Windham who will be entering Maplewood Career Center this August. These scholarships covered the full cost of their tools and school fees. In addition, one college scholarship was also awarded.
This Labor Day, his community will once again come together to celebrate that spirit — and to keep his legacy moving forward.
