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| Feature Stories | ||
| 7/2/2008 | The Valley Classic Wheels are returning this year to host our 7th annual car show. This year we have a lot of returning traditions, along with some activities that we hope will become traditions for future Valley Classic Wheels Shows. Kevin Hogan from WFSB Channel 3 once again returns for a meet and greet. Kevin is becoming a regular attendee of our show, and we truly appreciate the excitement and enthusiasm he brings with him each year. This year Kevin has a great reason to look forward to our show. Years of restoration on his classic 1959 MGA Roadster should have concluded by show time, and he can finally share results of his efforts on this project with car club friends and adoring fans from thru out Connecticut. After Kevin “totally screwed up the bodywork”, the trusted technicians at “Vintage” in Westbrook treated his MG to a single-stage ORIENT RED paint job, the original exterior color from the Morris Garage. Once Kevin got her home, it was build time. When you didn’t see Mr. Hogan on TV - you could find him under the hood in his garage. Another fixture at our shows has been Lisa "The Promotions Diva" and the DRC-FM prize van. Lisa feels being The Promotions Diva, is a very unique position. She is usually the first to arrive at an event, and the last to leave. For the Valley Classic Wheels show Lisa decorates the area, greets DRC-FM listeners, and gives them a chance to win something nice. Lisa says; “One of the most important parts of my job is supporting the many charity events we sponsor in our community. Its always a great feeling to work for a radio station that actually cares about the people in the community”. Lisa, I couldn’t have said it better myself. The Valley Classic Wheels truly appreciates the support you and DRC-FM provide to our show each year, your stations resources and time donated to our car club are invaluable. A new VCWCC Show tradition will be a meet and greet by the Hartford Courant’s Duncan Haimerl. Duncan has a weekly feature in the Saturday Hartford Courant, where he answers readers automotive questions, and also tests the latest and greatest cars and trucks Detroit and others have to offer. The Connecticut Valley Die Cast Club (CVD) will also be at this years show with their 40 foot racetrack. CVD is a club formed to enjoy, preserve, and protect the hobby of die-cast car collecting. Some Valley Classic Wheel members ran across the CVD at the 2008 Frank Marrata Auto Show. CVD had their racetrack set up at the Auto Show allowing show goers a chance to race, awarding race heat winners a die cast car. VCW member Pete Rocco invited CVD to the VCW Show this year, and they were thrilled to be invited. Kids (young and old) bring your Hot Wheels, Johnny Lightnings or Matchbox cars to race at this years show. Another new feature of this years show will be Double A Transportations 1953 GMTDH5106 GMC bus. Double A has a wide variety of over 200 classic buses, trucks, and other equipment available for movies, commercials, or special events. Located in Rocky Hill CT, their "museum" fleet is well maintained by a knowledgeable and caring staff. The bus Double A is bringing in for the VCWCC show is painted up in a special Pepsi Theme. Because this bus is occasionally put out on runs, it is the oldest active service bus in America. This bus originally ran in New Jersey for the Red and Tan Lines, and has been fully restored and returned to service by Double A Charter. The basic color scheme for the bus is the old CT Transit Blue/White theme. The bus will be open to the public to board and walk thru during show hours, so get ready for a trip down memory lane. This year Simsbury’s Engine 1, a 1935 International/American LaFrance C-Model with a 500 GPM pump and a 150 gallon water tank will also be at our show. Engine 1 was originally purchased by the Ensign-Bickford Company for their fire brigade. The Simsbury Fire District acquired Engine 1 when the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company assumed responsibility for the towns fire protection in 1944. Engine 1 was stationed at the Main Fire House and answered its last alarm in 1975. The apparatus was restored in 1991 by Fire Company members, and although Engine 1 is fully operational, it is primarily used as a show piece in parades and at public events. | |
| 3/5/2008 | The VCWCC was recently presented with this handmade wood sign by club member Bill Eggers. Bill spent countless hours over a couple of weeks creating the maple and mahogany inlaid sign. Now that the car show season is finally arrived, we cant wait to display it for all to see. It certainly will be at the July 13th car show at the Club tent as a wonderful backdrop to our trophy table. See you there. The Club wants to thank "Wild" Bill for his incredible contribution to the Valley Classic Wheels and remind you that he also created the 50 Willys (from which leftover wood was used to create our sign) and the custom bike "Iron Horse" which will be featured at our July charity benefit car show. | |
| 12/17/2007 | In keeping with Club tradition, we would like to review the past year and what The Valley Classic Wheels Car Club has done with its time and the monies raised through our efforts. Boston World of Wheels Autorama Car Show, Big E Swap meet, Frank Marratta’s Car show began the first few months of 2007. Then we got busy doing things to benefit others. They included our first show:Sunday, May 6, 2007Avon Dollars for Scholars Car Show70 show cars and their entry fees went directly to the fund. $350.00 went to the scholarship Sunday, May 20, 2007VCWCC cruise to Sunrise Senior LivingThe Club brightened the day for shut-ins and families. Monday, May 28, 2007Memorial Day ParadeVCW Members join town parades in Simsbury and Tariffville. We carry war vets. Sunday, July 8th, 2007 Valley Classic Wheels Car Club Sixth Annual Charity Benefit Car Show Over $10,000 was raised. The Connecticut/Westchester Section of The Mercedes-Benz Club of America held their invitational Concours. LifeChoice Donor Services (our local organ procurement organization) had a sign up booth at the show. A Bio-Diesel display of cars. 102.9 DRC-FM Good Time Rock n Roll Mobile. Fun n’ Games Staff along with radio personality Mike Stevens meet and greet. News Anchor Kevin Hogan, WFSB - TV, Channel 3 held a meet and greet. He also announced the trophy winners for us. Food prepared by Simsbury Boy Scout Troop 175 raised $1,700 in addition to above amount. Saturday, July 21, 2007“Rockin Wheels” Car Show to benefit Gifts of LoveOver 100 show cars attended $500.00 collected for Gifts of Love (helping families in crisis). Sunday, August 12, 2007Mini car show at The GablesThe club brightens up the day for the residents with a club member’s car show and has a picnic lunch, too. The Gables is an assisted senior living facility.Sunday, August 26, 2007Club PicnicThis was the only rained-out event on our calendar. The weather did not deter us, as the picnic was re-located to a members’ home. (An awning shielded the rain.) Thursday, September 6, 2007The McLean HomeAnnual Mini Car Show to entertain residents of The Village (an independent living facility in Simsbury).Sunday, September 23, 2007Simsbury Fly-In and Car ShowVCWCC hosts Car Show portion of event Record number of show vehicles (315+) attend event. East Granby Lions raffle car Life Star helicopter visit CT/Air National Guard Blackhawk helicopter Sunday, October 7, 2007VCWCC Cruise to River Ridge Nursing HomeThe Club has a mini car show for the residents. Our arrival motivates mobility of those often sedentary. Friday, November 16, 2007“A Night Out In Style”VCWCC sponsors the runway and stage for the Gifts of Love annual fundraiser event. Event raises over $51,000. Sunday, December 2, 2007 VCWCC Holiday PartyThe Club has dinner and awards presentations. Months of November & December 2007Charitable DisbursementsThe Valley Classic Wheels Car Club makes the rounds, personally delivering toys and checks to selected charities and organizations. Since the inception of the Club, we make it a habit to personally present our monies whenever possible. This year, the VCWCC distributed toys to the Simsbury Police Departments “Stuff a Cruiser” toy drive, and the following organizations: Channel 3 (TV) Kids Camp, WDRC-FM Food Share, Jimmy Fund, WTIC-AM Salvation Army drive, Life Choice Donor Services, MS Society, Gifts of Love, Toys for Tots, CT Humane Society, Make A Wish Foundation, CT Civil Air Patrol, and We Are The Children. The VCWCC sincerely wants to do more and do more good for 2008. By joining the VCW you can help us make a difference. Happy New Year. | |
| 10/11/2007 | Cartoberfest had a great turnout from the Club! Members met at the log cabin for a hearty breakfast before cruising to the show. We had a 13 car caravan which parked together and from there we wandered among the cars and spectators. As always, we saw a few vehicles that weve never seen before, along with the familiar ones owned by friends. Thanks to Time Was Garage for sponsoring the event, which raised money for the local fire department. | |
| 9/30/2007 | One of the advantages of belonging to a car club is making contacts with others that share your interests in cars. Over time these contacts become friends. Working on cars sometimes requires some special tools that you may use once or twice in a lifetime. Your new friends with automotive interests may have a special tool you don’t have that can be loaned out. Why buy when a loan will do? But what happens when no one you know has that special tool that your require? Run out and buy it? Now there’s another option. AutoZone offers a free Loan-A-Tool service. AutoZone has a nice selection of seldom-used, expensive-to-own specialty tools that will help you do the job right. AutoZone offers more than 60 different tools for all sortsof jobs - steering and suspension work, air conditioning jobs, engine repair, and more. Using the AutoZone Loan-A-Tool service is easy. Just leave a deposit at the store when you pick up the tool. When youre through, just bring it back, and they refund the deposit. Here is a partial list of some of the tools they offer in their loan a tool program: Serpentine Belt Tool Pilot Bearing Puller Tailpipe Expander Fan Clutch Wrench Coolant Pressure Tester with Adapters Ball Joint Press Coil Spring Compressor Engine Lift Chain Steering Wheel Puller And 51 more……... To see a full list of available tools go to: Did you enjoy this story? Its from the September Brass and Chrome, the newsletter of the Valley Classic Wheels Car Club. Why not join, and get the a copy of your own? | |
| 9/29/2007 | The VCWCC had the wonderful opportunity to visit a hidden gem in right here in CT this past month. Club Cruise Director, Dick Burns, a long-time friend with the owner, arranged a Club tour of a building that looks like a house, that looks like a gas station. To call Don Passardi a collector of fine Fords is an understatement. He is a kind man, who is also most gracious and unassuming. Should you ever get the opportunity to meet him you will immediately learn that he is a walking book on Henry Ford and his early vehicles. Don has been collecting 1928 – 1950 Ford vehicles for quite some time, and has become very knowledgeable on the subject of “Ford”. (I didn’t know that Ford invented the charcoal briquette, did you?) Our host not only opened his collection to us, (to see photo click here) but also served light refreshments. In addition to the vehicles on display, was an incredible compilation of memorabilia, rare collectibles and artifacts, as well as a plethora of history on Henry Ford, and the Ford enterprise. Gas station stuff, dealership signage, salt shakers, watches, pedal cars, and writing instruments made for an impossible to take it all in experience. We were joined by new friends of The Club, Nancy and Mike Maximenko who learned of the tour via Special Interest Newspapers calendar of events. After the two-hour visit, we cruised to Willington Pizza for a fine meal. There too, we were treated to many interesting collectibles that decorated the establishment. Dick Burns surely had the perfect ending to a spectacular day. I have one word for you, should The Club ever have the chance to visit (or revisit) Don Passardi’s collection: Go. Story and Photo by Pete Rocco Does this sound like the type of event you would like to participate in? The Valley Classic Wheels tours many privite collections. Why not Join the club, and be part of our next tour? Did you enjoy this story? The Valley Classic Wheels prints and mails a news letter quarterly, packed with stories, features, and club news. To get a news letter of your own, click here to join the club. | |
| 1/4/2007 | Happy New Year everyone.... from your friends at the Valley Classic Wheels Car Club. The New Year is often a time of reflection, so with this thought in mind, allow me to review some of the VCWCCs accomplishments during 2006. This year, The Valley Classic Wheels Car Club added a third charity benefit car show to its 2006 roster. The Club was pleased to have increased its dedication of service to the community by doing so. A direct result from adding the spring event was an increase in club membership and exposure of The Club to the community as a whole. Also new for 2006, was the addition of Club Cruise Nights, held on the lawn of a local establishment. Reno’s Gathering Place donated trophies and gift certificates, where the evening events were held. Weather played a big part in limiting the Wednesday night cruises for the season. Despite inclement conditions, The Club garnered new friends and increased its membership and recognition in town. Following below is The Valley Classic Wheels Car Club’s chronological listing of community and fundraising related events. Omitted are the many local car shows, visits to private collections, and other activities that consumed our 2006 calendar. The only regret The Club had during the year was our inability to participate in more fundraising efforts, especially when invited by local nursing homes and area event planners to join in their functions. April 28, 2006 Thompson Brook School U. S. History DayMembers of The Valley Classic Wheels attend the Avon (Connecticut) middle school’s daylong event with vehicles representing the 1930’s, 50’s and 60’s. The students were allowed to get into the cars, not just see them from a distance. April 30, 2006 Car Show to benefit Gifts of Love All proceeds from the event went directly to the Avon organization that helps families in crisis. Door prizes and gift certificates were donated by stores in the Avon Marketplace and subsequently awarded to spectators making contributions to the organization. A beautiful Sunday spring day made the show even more special than the members of The Valley Classic Wheels could have hoped for. June 11, 2006Mini Car Show at The Gables A yearly event for the residents of the independent and assisted living complex in Farmington includes a picnic for both the car owners and residents. This year, The Gables held an open house in conjunction with the car show that included a reception for the artist of the month. Featured in the hallways of the main building were photographs of sunsets, vistas and automobiles. July 9, 2006 Fifth Annual VCWCC Benefit Car ShowOur largest event to date drew and estimated one thousand, five hundred spectators and showcased nearly 400 show cars. This is The Valley Classic Wheels Car Club’s major event of the year. Coverage of the event was shown on local TV stations WFSB and WTNH. Over 60 radio spots were donated by WDRC-FM the week prior, announcing the big show. Three very special cars were on display and their owners donated their time to make the event so great. Proceeds from the show benefited the following local and state charities: American Cancer Society American Diabetes Association Avon Gifts of Love Connecticut Civil Air Patrol Connecticut Humane Society Connecticut Lyme Disease Association Connecticut Railroad Historical Association Farmington Valley Visiting Nurse Association Fidelco Guide Dogs Habitat for Humanity Holcomb Farm Learning Center Multiple Sclerosis, Hartford, CT, Chapter Simsbury, CT, Boy Scout Troop 175 Sue Green Fund (local cancer victim) WTIC Radiothon for CT Salvation Army WDRC-FM Radiothon for FoodShare During the show, local radio and television personalities Beth Bradley (DRC-FM) and Kevin Hogan (WFSB-TV) made personal appearances and contributed to the event on our public address system and live broadcasts. September 12, 2006 Mini Car Show at McLean VillageAnother annual event on The Club calendar is the turnout of both member’s as well as non-affiliated show cars to The Village, an independent living facility sharing the same campus of The McLean Home (nursing home) founded by longtime Connecticut Senator McLean. Residents and patients, along with their families, look forward to our showcase of vehicles because it draws out reminiscences of past events. Nearly every resident/spectator ends up speaking with the car-owner about their personal association with that specific vehicle. Many stories are celebrated by having the vintage cars on display. The Club looks forward to sharing their cars because of the effect they have with the residents. October 8, 2006 Simsbury Airport Fly In and Car ShowOriginally scheduled for September 24th, the rain-dated event was twice postponed to a third weekend. Despite those setbacks, The Valley Classic Wheels saw a record number of show cars turn out for some wonderful Sunday fall weather. The crowds were estimated at 7,000 and show cars were over capacity and totaled over 230. Proceeds directly benefit the public airport, as this is there only fundraiser for the year. Thanks for reading. Should your orgainization wish to include the VCWCC in its fundraising plans, please contact us right away, as our 2007 calendar of commitments is filling up fast. | |
| 10/13/2006 | Thank You and Congratulations go out to everyone who participated in the “Third Time’s A Charm” Simsbury FLY-IN and CAR SHOW on Sunday, October 8th. From the participants, to the volunteers to the spectators – the show was a great success because of you. The combination aircraft and car show was held three weeks late due to the weather and high winds predicted for the original date in September. Being a rain-dated event apparently did not deter the 250 cars that drove in and became part of the show. Vehicles were arriving all day long from as far away as Meriden, Wolcott and Durham, Connecticut. From the north; cars from Ashley Falls and Great Barrington, Mass. made it a point to attend. The previous attendance record of 206 was tied around 11:15 in the morning. The Clams played a few sets of surf tunes for the big crowds. Airport Manager Bill Thomas mixed in stories about the arriving planes, and VCWCC President Steve Reed told the group about some of the vehicles arriving during the day. Receiving a trophy from the Valley Classic Wheels for being the best of the car show were the following car owners, elected by people’s choice: John Colucci for his red and white 1956 Ford Glass Top, Armand Ferron for his red 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, Jerry John for his red and white 1959 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster, Steve McGuff for his Brown 1929 Ford Model A Tudor, Paul Menin, with his Iris Mist 1965 Pontiac GTO, Mike O’Brien for his red and white 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe and J. D. Thomas (Sr.) with his black 1936 Ford Roadster. Best of Show winner Greg Calkin took home the tallest trophy for his 1940 Cadillac Model 40-7519 Five-Passenger Touring Sedan. Absent from the event were the Simsbury Fire Department because they had their town-wide open house already committed on the 2nd rain date, as well as the sky divers who also had a previous schedule to keep. Let’s hope that next year, the show doesn’t have to resort to a rain date to show their stuff. | |
| 8/9/2006 | Our Fifth Annual Benefit Car Show was a great success. Over 1,000 spectators viewed the nearly 400 show vehicles on display. From brass-era cars to late model Corvettes and Mustangs, our show had something for everybody. Rock and Roll band “The Clams” played what they call ‘surf music’ and their two costumed go-go dancers provided the visuals as an additional treat for the crowd. Simsbury Boy Scout Troop 175 had the burgers down pat. The food lines moved faster than a short-order cook’s (and tasted just as good). A dedicated area showcased a few special vehicles who donated their time and cars to enhance the event. The three owners paraded into the grounds together with their respective rides: Kevin Maloney, Russ Rollins and Kevin Care wowed the crowd. Their vehicles were a dark cranberry 1932 Phantom Ford complete with ghost flames, a true dart to the heart example of every boy’s who ever dreamed of owning a Dodge Super Bee, and a totally outrageous custom built 32 Ford Coupe entitled simply “Chili Peppers” This car had everything. Its name is the only thing simple about it. Also helping to make the event special was the guest appearance of WFSB-TV personality Kevin Hogan. The Club was pleased that Mr. Hogan could join them for the second year, and he was asked to make a short announcement over the Clubs sound system. DRC-FM morning show host Beth Bradley took over the mike a few times as well. DRC has been an integral part of the event since the first show in July 2001. The radio station is Americas first FM and graciously promotes the show on the airways every year, on top of supplying the club with its prize van day of the show. The Club members take their hats off to DRC. You can plan next years calendar, because the Club will host the show on the second Sunday in July. By first counts the show garnered nearly $4,000 in net proceeds, which the VCWCC plans to donate to charity at years end. Each November at their yearly business meeting, the group takes nominations from the floor of charities deserving of their labor of love. Last year the club confirmed donations to the following local groups: Simsbury Boy Scout Troop 175, Child and Family Services of Hartford , Salvation Army via WTIC-AM radio-thon, Foodshare via DRC-FM thanksgiving caravan drive, Gifts of Love, Avon, Chip in for a Cure for Cancer, Connecticut Humane Society, Fidelco Guide Dogs, Bloomfield, Civil Air Patrol, East Granby, Foothills Visiting Nurse Association, Friendly Hands Food Bank, Litchfield County, Multiple Sclerosis, Farmington Chapter. The day was great and was blessed with good weather. The club lays no claim to having accomplished that feat, but has for five years and counting, had that under control too. Describe it in one, short sentence: “lots of people and fantastic cars” might be your answer if you were luck to have been there. At the end of the event, trophies were awarded in 38 classes to the general competition. The toughest part of the event is picking the winner for Best of Show. That trophy, the size of which puts the Stanley Cup on notice, went to John Colucci for his 1956 Ford Crown Victoria Glass-Top. His cream and coral red beauty stood out to the committee in charge of awarding that prize. The Best of Show winner is further honored with having their vehicle pictured on the next years ‘dash plaque’. Having been parked right next to last years Best of Show probably didn’t hurt either. Louise LaFreniere, from North Haven, CT returned with her turquoise blue 1956 Thunderbird. Unlike the hockey trophy, the past winners get to keep their trophy forever. Please look for the Valley Classic Wheels this September 24th when they help to host the car show portion of the Simsbury Fly-In. That event will be the harbinger of the end of the car show season, so don’t miss it. Otherwise save the second weekend in July 2007 for Simsbury, to see what the Valley Classic Wheels will come up with then. | |
| 5/26/2006 | There is NO DENYING that the car show season is upon us. We here at Valley Classic Wheels Car Club have been working all year on presenting a refined and improved event. Please join us for the Fifth Annual Charity Benefit CAR SHOW. Our event will be held on Sunday, July 9, 2006 from 10:00 AM – 3 PM. We hope not to have to resort to the Rain Date of Sunday, July 16 (but we reserve it just in case).We trust that you have been to the parking lots along Iron Horse Blvd. in Downtown Simsbury before. If you have, you must have seen the 366 vehicles we had for you last year to check out. We hope to raise more money this year for charities in our area. We are asking you, the public to help support these efforts by contributing more donations at the pedestrian gate. Please note that these are suggested donations. You get an awful lot for a couple of bucks. With a gate donation, you receive a beautiful program booklet which includes a map of the show. With it you will be prepared to locate the show classes, as the Connecticut Civil Air Patrol will be helping Club members park the show vehicles by classes. Everyone is invited. All show cars are welcome - trophies will be awarded in 35 Classes and a gigantic trophy for the Best of Show. We will have Music, Vendors, Food, Raffle Prizes, Give-A-Ways, and the DRC-FM Prize Van will be with us all day long. Come out and meet Beth Bradley of the DRC-FM Morning Show along with Kevin Hogan of WFSB Channel 3 Television. The Valley Classic Wheels Car Club would like to thank each and every one of the 366 vehicle owners that came out for us last year. We also want to thank the over 1,000 spectators that joined us in 2005. Through your support, the Valley Classic Wheels Car Club was enabled to make donations to the following local charities: Child and Family Services of Hartford, Chip in for a Cure for Cancer, Connecticut Humane Society, Civil Air Patrol, East Granby, Fidelco Guide Dogs, Bloomfield, FoodShare via DRC-FM thanksgiving caravan drive, Foothills Visiting Nurse Association, Friendly Hands Food Bank, Litchfield County, Gifts of Love, Avon, Multiple Sclerosis, Northern Connecticut Chapter, Salvation Army via WTIC-AM radio-thon. The Boy Scout Troop 175 increased their coffers by directly offering you great food at the show See you at THE SHOW! | |
| 3/26/2006 | The Valley Classic Wheels Car Club in conjunction with Avon Marketplace will host “Rockin’ Wheels,” a car show to benefit Gifts of Love in Avon. The show will be held rain or shine, Sunday, April 30, 2006 from 11 am to 3 pm at Avon Marketplace, Route 44, Avon. The theme of the show is the “rockin” period of the ‘50s and ‘60s. We have great things planned including a disc jockey playing vintage tunes, give-aways, stuff for kids and more. Great Fun for a Great Cause! The event will benefit Gifts of Love, a local charity that provides temporary assistance to families in crisis. It’s a great cause to support. All money raised will go directly to this organization. The public will be asked to “vote” for their favorite car by making a donation to Gifts of Love, “Best of Show” trophy going to the winner. Here’s the Deal! The show is by invitation due to limited space (75 cars). We are looking for cars through 1979 as a cut-off year. Hot rods are welcome, too. Participation is free. You will not be solicited for a donation at the gate. Please put “Rockin’ Wheels” on your calendar. Feel free to forward this email to a friend, too. Space is limited, so please email your commitment to Avon Marketplace’s ad agency: Bill Bottomley, Jonathan Wisconsin Inc, jonathan10@mindspring.com (please put “car show” in subject field). Top ten trophies will be awarded. Gift Certificates to the stores at the Avon Marketplace will be raffled off. Remember; there is a limit of spaces for showcars! Email your reservation today! For more information call me at 860 379-4745 or email to info@valleyclassicwheels.com “Rockin’ Wheels” will be great fun for a great cause. Thank you for your consideration. Pete Rocco Public Relations Officer The Valley Classic Wheels Car Club | |
| 9/28/2005 | The 20th annual Simsbury Fly-In and Car Show was another great success. One of the new attractions this year was an appearance by world-famous air show performer Julie Clark and her Mopar T-34 military training airplane. Almost 100 airplanes of all types flew in from points around the Northeast, and the event also featured 183 show cars on exhibition. There was a display of 13 military vehicles. One of the biggest draws was the appearance of ten grand Ferraris, including a very rare Enzo. Trophies were awarded in a number of categories to airplane owners. The 20th Annual Simsbury Fly-In and Car Show Top Eight Winners are (as voted on by the participants themselves): Best In Show: Peter Bozzo, Cromwell CT,Maroon 1929 Ford Roadster. Dick Vincent, Canton CT, Black and Green 1926 Ford TT Truck. Robert Brainard III, Barkhamsted CT, Red 1964 Olds 442. Richard Johnston, Simsbury CT, Red 1929 Rolls Royce Phantom II. Trish Blown, Torrington CT, Pearl Black 1967 Chevy Camaro SS. Robert Nathanson, West Hartford CT, Maroon 1946 Lincoln Zephyr V-12 Ray Mitchell, South Glastonbury CT, Black 1957 Bel Air Convertible. Kris Forese, Simsbury CT, Black and Tan 1931 Ford A Deluxe. The event featured lots of good food, plus many displays and booths by vendors and manufacturers, including tee-shirts, nostalgic metal signs, and the N.E. Air Museum. The Simsbury Fire and Ambulance crews performed a simulated auto rescue, with the Life Star helicopter arriving to bring the "victims" to the hospital. Three local parachutists performed jumps, and there were flybys by aircraft of special interest. The number of spectators was around 4000 this year due to overcast and cool weather, but enthusiasm was high and the event was a great opportunity for spectators to see the beautiful cars and airplanes. Everyone with an interest in cars or airplanes should mark the date of September 24 2006, on next years calendar | |
| 7/30/2005 | Our 4th Annual Benefit Car Show was a great success. There are alot of "thanks" that need to go out. Where do we start? Beth Bradley, DRC/FM morning show co-host delayed her vacation (she is off this week) until she had been to our show. Thanks, Lisa the promotions diva and the DRC Prize Van. New this year was a visit from Kevin Hogan of Channel 3 Television. Thank you Mr. Hogan for helping with the raffel prize drawings and awarding those items. Thank you, to all the participants, vendors, and spectators. Thanks for a great day even if it was a hot one! [Nothing like squeezing in a big car show between two tropical storms, yes?] Keep tuned to this page and shortly we will have photos on line for you to view of the great time that was had. Also, in the near future you will find some stats on the event. (We had ten percent more cars this year, for example.) Check back often. Thanks once more, The Valley Classic Wheels! | |
