Get Closeup Look at Classic Horsepower, the Metal Kind

Your teens are holding a car wash at the high school Saturday. The grandparents volunteered to take the younger children to a movie Sunday afternoon. Your tweens take tap on Wednesday evening. It’s your time. Take it.

Each week, we’ll tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, maybe a whole lot easier.

This week, we're suggesting an escape to the world of vintage metal horsepower and a stable full of horses. [Remember that some of the early classic cars were parked in the carriage houses at country estates way back when!]

So, put on your best gentlemanly [or lady of manor] style and head on over to The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable's 14th annual “Salute To Horse Power” classic automobile and motorcycle show on the grounds of the  Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Since this an outdoor event, there is a rain date of Oct. 23, for the event at the stable grounds at 256 South Maple Ave. in Basking Ridge.

Classic automobiles will be on display, along with motorcycles that are worth a peek. Entries will be judged from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with awards to be announced at 2:30 p.m.

And since, after all, this is really a home for horses, there will be free pony rides for the kids from 11 a.m. to noon, and from 1 to 2 p.m.

Show vehicle registration will begin at 9 a.m. Vehicle entry donation is $10 if pre-registered and $15 the day of the event. Registration fee includes entry for all passengers. Spectator donation is $2 per person with children under 12 admitted for free.

Food, refreshments and t-shirts will be offered for sale, although alcohol is prohibited on park grounds. [You'll have to attend a real country gentleman's get-together for that!]

All show vehicles will be parked according to class in a field. Black top parking will be available only for disabled entrants. Registration forms are available online at the website for The Friends of Lord Stirling, a non-profit organization of volunteers that provides support for activities at Lord Stirling Stable. For more information, contact Alec at 908-397-3845.

All proceeds are used to support the ongoing programs at Lord Stirling Stable, a county facility that provides riding lessons and opportunities for all age groups and riding abilities.

Information on this event and other Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found online on the parks commission website.