By Marie McCain
The Cincinnati Enquirer

OWENSVILLE - For some, the annual Pumpkin Run Nationals antique car show at the Clermont County Fairgrounds this weekend is a very public love affair that everybody gets to enjoy.

"The fun is in driving them," says Frank Witt of Mount Carmel. "I'd say on average the owner puts about 3,000 to 4,000 miles on them just doing that."

This weekend thousands of antique car aficionados will show off their shiny, brightly painted rides.

The event starts today and will end Sunday.

This will be the 28th year for the car show, which is organized by a Clermont County-based car club, Fastiques Rod and Custom of Southern Ohio Inc.

Last year's event attracted nearly 3,000 owners from around the country and Canada. Witt, the president of Fastiques, says this year's event is expected to attract a similar number.

The event will showcase makes and models of vehicles from 1970 and earlier.

Proceeds will go to benefit Fastiques, which is a non-profit organization, and the Shriners Burn Institute for Children.

More information: www.pumpkinrunnationals.com.

E-mail mmccain@enquirer.com