Showtime Collision opens in Big Bear Lake, will give a refurbished Subaru to a local Army veteran

A nearly 40-year-old mountain community institution is putting down permanent roots in Big Bear Lake. Showtime Collision opens its new location at 41282 Big Bear Blvd. this Saturday, September 12, starting at 11:00 AM, with a free public celebration that doubles as a vehicle giveaway for a local U.S. Army veteran^[1]. For residents who have watched auto body options in the valley stay limited, the arrival of an established, community-familiar shop is a practical gain — and the veteran giveaway puts a human-interest centerpiece on what might otherwise be a routine ribbon-cutting.

What the NABC Recycled Rides program does

The centerpiece of the event is a presentation of a refurbished 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid to a local Army veteran nominated by the American Legion^[1]. The vehicle was donated through the National Auto Body Council's Recycled Rides program, a national initiative that partners collision shops and auto industry suppliers to restore and give away vehicles to people in need. The donation was a joint effort between AAA, NABC, LKQ, PPG Automotive Refinish, and Showtime Collision itself, which contributed the repair services, labor, and parts^[1]. The recipient has not been publicly named ahead of the event. NABC representative Ben Clymer Jr. and Big Bear Lake City Councilmember Rick Herrick are both scheduled to appear^[1].

About Showtime Collision's expansion

Showtime Collision describes itself as a third-generation, family-owned business approaching its 40th anniversary this October^[1]. For nearly four decades the shop operated out of Running Springs, making it a resource for mountain communities broadly — but one that Big Bear Lake residents had to travel to reach. The new Big Bear Lake location is described as a permanent expansion, not a replacement of the Running Springs facility, though the artifact does not specify whether the Running Springs shop will continue operating under the same ownership.

What's happening at the event

Beyond the veteran vehicle presentation, the grand opening includes a Big Bear Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting, roughly 15 special-interest vehicles on display — among them movie cars from the Transformers franchise, a McLaren, and a Mustang Bullitt — plus a live DJ and MC, complimentary hot dogs, and a free raffle with thousands of dollars in prizes^[1]. The first 100 attendees will receive free T-shirts and PPG Automotive Refinish swag^[1].

The event is free and open to the public. Showtime Collision's new Big Bear Lake shop is located at 41282 Big Bear Blvd.; the grand opening begins at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 12^[1].