PORT ALLEN — A West Baton Rouge man who has spent decades collecting antique trains and cars is getting ready to show off his prized possessions at the Oldies But Goodies Festival.

Ray Parrish is a longtime Port Allen resident with a passion for things from the past. His collection started with antique trains and has grown to include classic cars.

"I've had this little steam engine since I was about 10 years old. And it runs just like the day when I bought it. These things are made to last," Parrish said.

His collection now includes a 1928 Model A Roadster Pickup. When the weather is right, Parrish drives it around West Baton Rouge.

"I have nothing to do but keep mine shined and clean, and it's just part of my daily routine. I just go out here and prep, play with it, and pet on it and run it, and I might just crank it up, or I might get in it and go to the grocery store or something," Parrish said.

He also joined a Model A Club, a group of classic car owners who take their cars to community events, parades or just out for a ride.

"Several people in our club that may have three, or four or five cars stored up in a barn somewhere. And just for them to get them out, it's a lot of prep work. The battery might be dead. It may need a wash job. It may need a little TLC, if you will," Parrish said.

Collecting antique cars has also become competitive. Parrish explained what judges look for when evaluating the cars.

"They're looking for originality, in other words, original parts, original things that came on a car. And then you have a category that might be people's choice. In other words, people walk by and say, 'Oh, I like that one,'" Parrish said.

Parrish and other collectors plan to bring their cars out for the Oldies But Goodies Festival on Sept. 13.