During the 51st anniversary of Antique Auto Days on July 18-19, you'll see dozens of classic, vintage, antique, hot rods, muscle cars and much more all parked on the Village Green at the Boothbay Railway Village. This all makes and models show in partnership with the Maine Obsolete Auto League is actually older that the museum itself.

Anyone who owns a classic, antique, hot rod, muscle car, rat rod or other cool vehicle is invited to show it off on the Village Green on July 18 and 19. If you are not a member of MOALS, there is just a small $5 entry fee upon arrival. No preregistration required. Car owners receive free admission to the museum and a commemorative dash plaque. A People’s Choice trophy will also be awarded.

New this year is valve cover racing. Visitors can build their own and bring it along to test it out on the track. MOALS members and others will also demonstrate their creations. Valve cover racing is a competitive event similar to the Pinewood derby, but vehicles are made from a valve cover from an internal combustion car engine, rather than of wood blocks. This hot new hobby for auto enthusiasts is fun for all ages.

Paul Mennett is cruisin’ into town with his “Circle of Champions” classic car display just for Antique Auto Days. Mennett is the host of the hit television show, “Cruisin’ New England with Paul Mennett on NESN” (the New England Sports Network) home of the Red Sox and Bruins. You’ll have a chance to meet Mennett at the car show on Saturday, July 18, at his “Circle of Champions” display. He will be signing autographs throughout the day. On Sunday, July 19, the crew will be busy filming an episode about the museum and Antique Auto Days for the upcoming 2016 season. If you’re lucky you might even be on TV!

The Substitutes, a vintage rock cover band from the Portland area, will play from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. On Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., live music will be provided by the Scott Davis Blues Band. The food court will include everything from burgers to wood-fired pizza to ice cream. 

Last year’s addition of an Auto Parts Swap Meet & Flea Market returns and will offer collectors a chance to scoop up a deal throughout the weekend. Those who wish to set up in the flea market need to register in advance. A form is available on the Museum’s website. The fee is just $10 for a 10 by 10-foot space for the entire weekend.

Rails, Tails & Ales also returns for the second year on Saturday, July 18, from noon to 4 p.m. Seven Maine breweries will be serving more than 14 different beers. Tickets for a wristband to enjoy 10 four-ounce beer tastings is just $30 (must be 21) and include museum admission as well as a unique souvenir beer mug. Tasting tickets are on sale on the Museum’s website and or upon arrival at the museum.

Other new feature is the opportunity to meet Kate McCarty, author of the brand new book, “Distilled in Maine: A History of Libations, Temperence & Craft Spirits.” Just released on July 13, the book is described as a “spirited romp through the evolution of Maine’s relationship with alcohol.” Her book will be for sale and she’ll be happy to sign copies.

The folks who operate the Maine Brew Bus will also be on hand for the first time to talk about their nine fun itineraries in Greater Portland and Southern Maine. With a long list of awards and accolades piling up these tours are an excellent way to explore Maine’s brewing scene up close and personal.

The traditional Sunday afternoon parade through downtown Boothbay Harbor will depart the museum grounds at 2 p.m. Guests are encouraged to come see the show before that time as many of the cars head directly for home after the parade.

The Village will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with hourly train departures between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Admission to the museum including the car show and, of course, train rides is $10 for adults, $5 for children. Museum members get in free. Contact the Boothbay Railway Village for more information at 207-633-4727, or online at www.railwayvillage.org. The Boothbay Railway Village is located at 586 Wiscasset Road, Route 27 in Boothbay.