WALTON — On Wednesday nights in Walton, the rumble of classic engines signals something more than horsepower: it’s the sound of community.
Parked neatly in front of the Walton Central School bus garage on Delaware Street, rows of vintage cars and polished hot rods line up as onlookers stop to admire, reminisce, and chat. The weekly gathering — called Walton Wheels — is a grassroots car show started in 2023 by local residents Maxine and Bob Locherer as a way to bring people together downtown, free of charge.
“Everything is free,” said Maxine Locherer. “We’re not selling raffle tickets or making money. We just wanted to open something up on the main street for people in Walton, and they seem to be loving it.”
The event runs every Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m., weather permitting. Though some weeks draw only a handful of cars, sunny evenings have seen more than 30 vehicles on display. Curious passersby often pull over, children get photos behind the wheel, and a few have even climbed aboard a vintage fire truck that made an appearance last year.
Bob, who owns two 1930 Ford coupes, said the idea for Walton Wheels came during a conversation with a fellow car enthusiast who had the same vision.
“We don’t have much going on downtown,” he said. “This gives people something to look at, something different — and it’s not about ego. You should see the smiles on people’s faces when they walk by.”
Maxine handles the digital side — posting updates and photos. Bob, who prefers face-to-face conversation to a screen, simply calls himself “a guy who loves hanging out with car people.”
The location — across from McDonald’s, the Walton Diner, and near the Big M grocery — was a deliberate choice.
“It’s visible. Cars aren’t hidden like they would be at Veterans Plaza,” said Maxine. “Plus, it’s free to use the space. That matters.”
The Locherers’ passion for classic cars began unexpectedly. While working road construction near Syracuse years ago, Bob saw a line of antique cars rolling by. Later, he and Maxine attended a national show with over 12,000 cars. Amid all the chrome and color, one model caught his eye — a 1930 Ford.
They tracked one down in 1996, and added a second coupe two years ago.
“Maxine thought I was getting too old and slow, that I’d tip over before we ever got to enjoy the car,” Bob joked.
Now, Walton Wheels is not only a celebration of those cars, but of small-town connection and the joy of something simple: a warm evening, a few beautiful machines, and neighbors stopping by to admire them.
There is no charge, they said; no reservations necessary and all kinds of wheels are welcome. Last year, an enthusiast brought an old fire truck. Different models like Tesla trucks, as well as classic and vintage cars are always on display - and there are occasionally unique wheels like a unicycle, an adult tricycle, motorcycles and more on display. The Locherers invite everyone with wheels to participate, either as an exhibitor or spectator.
