Rev ‘Em Up For Kids returns to Bethel Park

Harry Funk | Tuesday, August 16, 2022 5:30 p.m.

Courtesy of Jim Gastgeb

Jim Gastgeb’s 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, complete with Sally Field and Burt Reynolds, is a perennial favorite at Rev ’Em Up For Kids.

If you like the “Smokey and the Bandit” movies, you’ll love Jim Gastgeb’s Pontiac.

He has a 1977 Trans Am that looks pretty much like what Burt Reynolds drove in the Hal Needham-directed films, and Gastgeb even has life-sized images of the Bandit and Sally Field. No Jackie Gleason, though.

The vehicle has proved to be a prime attraction at Rev ‘Em Up For Kids, the annual car cruise that Gastgeb organizes to benefit Bethel Park Recreation and assist in field improvements.

“The Trans Am’s doing good. It’s all detailed and ready to go,” he said about its attendance at this year’s event, scheduled to start at noon Sept. 4 in the parking lot at 30 Corrigan Drive in South Park. “We had close to 1,100 cars through last year and at least about 3,000 spectators, and we’re anticipating the same type of turnout.”

Pasta Too of Bethel Park again is serving as premiere sponsor, and this year’s event features an expanded Kids’ Zone, music by Uptown Rhythm Brass and parking at 17 picnic groves near the site to accommodate everyone’s needs.

“We’re excited. We’re ready to go,” Gastgeb said, with a caveat: “Obviously, the weather has to cooperate.”

If it rains, unfortunately, the cruise is canceled.

But if the precipitation holds off, all special-interest vehicles are invited for a $5 donation. No show vehicles will be admitted to the site before 11 a.m.

For more information, email revemup@bethelpark.net or call 412-831-6800, ext. 730.