With their hoods lifted for all to see, shiny classic cars and hot rods lined up on the grass, while their owners gave onlookers permission to peer inside their prized possessions.

Brookfield Football Parents club sponsored their first car show Saturday on the square at state Routes 7 and 82.

The show boasted 40 classic cars and hot rods, a disc jockey, vendors, food stands, raffles, a Chinese auction and demolition and pie throwing contests.

Money raised from the show goes to buy equipment and supplies for Brookfield High School's football team.

Ken Wellendorf, club president, said he thought the event turned out really well.

"It was pretty good for the first time," he said.

Wellendorf added that with the heavy rains that hit the area over the past week, "we have beautiful weather today, thank God."

Russ Powell of Masury showed off his 2001 Chevy Extreme, which featured a dual exhaust and custom "triple X" floormats; he said it was a "pretty good crowd for the first day."

Al and Elizabeth Hecker of Painesville, Ohio, took in the sights at the show.

The couple owns three older cars, but Mrs. Hecker said they happened upon the car show when they pulled up to a stop sign and saw the festivities.

"There's lots to do in Brookfield, especially today," she said. They both added that "the waves were too high to boat, so we came down here today."

Twenty-one-year-old township resident Nick Macchione drove his '91 Pontiac Trans Am to the show. The Marine has owned his award-winning car for five years, and said that showing it off "gives me something to do."

Louise and Dennis DalBraccio of Hermitage displayed their 1956 Ford F-100 pickup, which they joked that they got from Mars.

Mars, Butler County, that is.

They are members of the Shenango Valley Antique Automobile Club of America, and Mrs. DalBraccio said they get their truck, which has air conditioning, power steering and a custom built chest, out and about in the summertime.

"I like these little (car shows) because you meet more people," she said. "That's what we like about it, and the money goes to a good cause."

Brookfield Head Coach Toby Gibson Sr. said community backing is always appreciated and encouraged.

"Anytime you have an opportunity to raise money for the players, it's a great event," he said. "It shows support from the community for these kids."

Doug Sangregorio, a senior fullback and middle linebacker, said "it's nice that we have this much support from the community."

Wendy Sobash, owner of Wendy's Gifts and Accessories in Hermitage, brought jewelry to sell; she said a portion of her profits would go to benefit the team.

"I think it's nice," she said of the car show. "There are so many shortages with school (funding), and I'm glad to be here to help out."

Brookfield disc jockey Heath Dillon kept people tapping their feet with his mix of classics and hit oldies tunes.

Several football players voiced their gratitude for the community effort. Taylor McMullin, a junior and a recent transfer to the high school, said the money will help to make the team look like true Brookfield Warriors.

"(We) have a very good team," he said. "All the money will give us good uniforms so we can look presentable for each game."

Ryan Gladis, a senior, said he wanted people to come out and meet the team, so "they'll come watch us on Friday nights."