Bob Parrish, president of the Antique Automobile Club of America, left, presents the I.C. Kirkham National Award to Peter Catanese, member of the North Alabama Region of the club, Feb. 11 at the AACA banquet in Philadelphia. The award honors clubs that have significantly increased membership.

The North Alabama Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America recently received the I.C. Kirkham National Award for its 25 percent membership growth in 2016.

NAR board member Peter Catanese accepted the award on behalf of the club Feb. 11 at the annual Antique Automobile Club of America banquet in Philadelphia.

The I.C. Kirkham Award is presented to regions with the greatest gain of membership in the 60,000-member national club. Those numbers are based on a weighted formula that considers the number of new members acquired and the percentage of increase in membership.

“NAR is very active and participates in several local events where the public can enjoy and learn about antique automobiles,” said James True, president of the NAR-AACA. “Receiving this award is an honor and the club’s growth shows how important the Antique Automotive hobby is to the community.”

NAR hosts an annual car, truck, motorcycle show and flea market. The show features something for everyone and spectators are always welcome free of charge. This year’s show will be May 20 at the Huntsville/Madison County Senior Center on Drake Avenue. 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.

“NAR members are dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of the antique automobile,” said a press release about the group. “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. 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.”

To learn more about NAR, visit NARAACA.org and AACA website at aaca.org.