Happy 1st Birthday to America on Wheels

The America on Wheels (AOW) transportation museum will celebrate its First Anniversary in April. Hat's off to AOW Executive Director Linda Merkel for a successful inaugural year that brought a visit from Indy legend Mario Andretti, a congratulatory letter from Jay Leno and 30,000 visitors! In addition to the popular exhibits and events over the past year, AOW has gained recognition as an Allentown landmark, including a growing reputation as a location for elegant events and as an icon for redevelopment along the Lehigh Riverfront.

A birthday celebration is planned for 11:00 am - 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 18th, with a special apperance from "Herbie, the Love Bug", a the Volkswagon Beetle that became an icon in the 1969 film. In addition, the Minsi Trails Boy Scout Trexler District Pinewood Derby Finals will start at 9:00 am and British car enthusiast Richard Miller will hold an interactive discussion on the "Post-World War II invasion of the British Cars" from 10:30 to 11:30 am.

April's anniversary celebrations also include the premiere of a new exhibit - "The Bulgari Collection - Automobilies of Excellence," featuring the Allentown-based classic antique vehicles collection owned by Italian jewelry designer Nichola Bulgari. The exhibit, which replaces the very popular "Legends of Speed Racecars", opens April 11th.

Other events scheduled for April include:

• April 4th - "Oldies But Goodies - 55+ Day at AOW", which showcases films and automobiles from the 1950's. The Academy Award-winning movie "Mr. Roberts" will be shown.
• April 4th - Easter Egg Hunt will be held at 11:00 am from children ages 3 - 12
• April 25th - "Black and White Movie Day at the Museum" will feature a series of automobile related films from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
• April 25th - "Park and Perk", 7:30 to 10:30 am for the start of a weekly gathering of motorheads and car enthusiasts in the AOW parking lot. Bring coffee and donuts and your hot-rods, drifters, classic antiques, muscle cars and enjoy a few hours of conversation with other car buffs.

For more information on the exhibits and educational programs, click here.