David Wright took his first car ride in more than a year Saturday — in a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air no less.

“Oh yeah, it’s all right,” he said with a wide smile as he got out of the classic cruiser owned and driven by Gina Mitchell. “My first car was a 1962 old (Ford) Mustang.”

Wright, who said he’s “42 years old and sticking with it,” was one of many residents at the Vicksburg Convalescent Home who was treated to a classic car show by the Vicksburg Cruisers Car Club Saturday afternoon at the parking lot of First Baptist Church on Cherry Street in downtown Vicksburg.

The show, dubbed Hot Rods and Hot Dogs, was presented to the residents after small talk about vintage cars turned loose.

Nursing home activities director Amie Lasalle said the idea of bringing a classic car show to the residents was initiated when local hospice caretaker Barbara Cashman approached her about it after noticing resident Johnny Uzzle liked to sit in his wheelchair outside and gaze at the passing cars.

“On a regular basis, our residents wouldn’t be able to get to a car show real easily and be able to enjoy it,” said Lasalle, who helped coordinate the event that was also open to the public. “We have activities daily, but we have big events like this once a month.”

Uzzle said he had his eye on the Chevrolet Chevelle.

“My favorite was the Chevelle,” said Uzzle, 44. “At 16 years old, I had one.”

“Naturally, these people can’t travel to see a car show,” club president Pete Dionne said. “So we brought the show to them.”

Dionne drove his 1956 Chevrolet 210 Series to show off at the show that featured about 15 classic cars that dated to the 1930s.

Fellow resident Dan “The Man” Currie was checking out a 1939 Chevrolet.

“That 1939 Chevrolet was made the same year I was born,” said Currie, 71 “When I was 14, I used to get into one and drive around the corner.”

The event drew in many spectators in addition to the residents and Lasalle hopes to turn it into an annual affair.

She said First Baptist Church, which is across the street from the convalescent home, donated their parking lot, Camelia Home Health donated hot dogs and volunteers came out to help assist residents for the event.

“We don’t come to a nursing home to die,” she said. “We come to finish living.”