Category Archives: Auto Shows

Bellmore, New York, U.S. July 30, 2021. Cardboard cutout of movie star Burt Reynolds holds up fingers making ‘V for Victory’ sign from driver’s window of 1981 Pontiac Trans Am Turbo 4.8, at the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show, held at the Bellmore Long Island Rail Road parking lot, with hundreds of visitors enjoying classic and customized cars and pleasant summer weather. (© 2021 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

Bellmore Friday Night (Lights) Car Show

Leave a reply

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
August 2, 2021

Classic cars light up the town

. WHEN: Fridays, 6-10 PM, May 15th through October 1, 2021, weather permitting  [2022 UPDATE:  Fridays, May 6th through October 7, 2022]
. WHERE: Bellmore Long Island Rail Road parking lot
. ADMISSION: Walk through = Free • Parked car = $5
. HOST: Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores

“Bellmore, New York, U.S. July 30, 2021. A classic black 1955 Chevrolet with airplane hood ornament, and ONEHOT55 license plate, gleams during sunset at the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Bellmore, NY, U.S. July 30, 2021. A classic black 1955 Chevrolet with airplane hood ornament, and ONEHOT55 license plate, gleams during sunset at the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Friday night, July 30th, brought unusually comfortable, cool weather, and Bob and I were fully vaccinated for Covid-19, so we visited the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show for the first time since 2019.

1959 Chevrolet Apache picks up L.I. spirits

Bellmore, NY, U.S. July 30, 2021. RUSS KOHLER of Seaford is sitting in driver's seat of his orange 1959 Chevrolet 3100 Apache truck at the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show. (© 2021 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

Bellmore, NY, U.S. July 30, 2021. RUSS KOHLER of Seaford sits in driver’s seat of his orange 1959 Chevrolet 3100 Apache truck at the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show. (© 2021 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

Past sunset, I noticed an awesome orange 1959 Chevy Apache, with its owner, RUSS KOHLER, of Seaford, sitting in the driver’s seat, with his face lit by the instrument panel lights.

Through various non-profit events, Kohler uses his classic car to bring cheer to his fellow Long Islanders, and driving it in birthday car parades struck me most powerfully.

Starting in 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic first struck Long Island, Kohler put a big Happy Birthday banner on the side of his truck while joining many dozens of birthday car parades, helping people celebrate without the risk of spreading or catching the virus.

Covid-19 has killed over 600,000 Americans, but “more than 99.99% of people fully vaccinated against Covid-19 have not had a breakthrough case resulting in hospitalization or death, according to the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” –  CNN, August 2, 2021

However, children under 12 aren’t eligible to get the vaccination, so their Covid-19 prevention options are to wear a mask and socially distance. My grandsons and granddaughter are all under 12 – one is nearly 12 years younger than that.

Those who can and do choose to get vaccinated, wear a mask, and socially distance are the truest good neighbors possible to those who cannot choose to get the Covid-19 vaccination – whether they live together or half way around the world from each other.

“At the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show, RUSS KOHLER of Seaford shows, on his mobile phone, a video of his 1959 Chevrolet 3100 Apache truck the person he bought it from sent him. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Bellmore, NY, U.S. July 30, 2021. At the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show, RUSS KOHLER of Seaford shows, on his mobile phone, a video of his 1959 Chevrolet Apache truck the Texas owner he bought it from sent him. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Polaris Slingshot autocar – 3 wheels & a pinup

“Bellmore, NY, U.S. July 30, 2021. A Polaris Slingshot, a three-wheel autocar, is colorfully lit and has a WWII sailor pin up girl illustration on hood, at the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Bellmore, NY, U.S. July 30, 2021. A Polaris Slingshot, a three-wheel autocar, is colorfully lit and has a WWII sailor pin up girl illustration on hood, at the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

1984 Buick Regal – flat out of luck?

“Bellmore, NY, U.S. July 30, 2021. A blue 1984 Buick Regal has eye-catching driver’s side front wheel in air and a passenger side front flat tire, and the license plate DAVESSAL, at the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Bellmore, NY, U.S. July 30, 2021. A blue 1984 Buick Regal has an eye-catching flat tire on front passenger’s side, and wheel high in air on front driver’s side, at the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

FEATURE PHOTO – Smokey and the Bandit (at top of post): Bellmore, NY, USA. July 30, 2021. Cardboard cutout of Burt Reynolds making a ‘V for Victory’ sign, at driver’s window of black 1981 Pontiac Trans Am Turbo 4.8 is at the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Bellmore Friday Night Car Show 2021:  my PHOTO GALLERY

Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores:  SITE • JOIN

CONTACT ME

• click COMMENT to reply to this post

Old Westbury, New York, USA. June 2, 2019. A red Chevrolet Master Deluxe antique car drives by the trophy table, and ALTHEA TRAVIS, standing at left, dressed in vintage-style white and red nurse's costume, hands out trophies at the 53rd Annual Spring Meet Antique Car Show, sponsored by the Greater NY Region (NYGR) of the Antique Car Club of America (AACA), at Old Westbury Gardens . © 2019 Ann Parry, FromLongIsland.com

Antique Car Show at Old Westbury Gardens 2019

Leave a reply

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
June 15, 2019

The fields were blooming with antique vehicles and family members of all ages at the 2019 Antique Car Show at Old Westbury Gardens. Just as long as you stayed hydrated, that Sunday, June 6th, was a lovely spring day for the 53rd Annual Spring Meet of the Greater New York Region chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America.

Old Westbury, New York, USA. June 2, 2019. A 1925 Model T Ford, owned by Scott Gramlich, of Baldwin, won two awards - Oldest Car and Best Model T - at the 53rd Annual Spring Meet Antique Car Show, sponsored by the Greater NY Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America, at Old Westbury Gardens. (Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Old Westbury, New York, USA. June 2, 2019. A 1925 Model T Ford, owned by Scott Gramlich, of Baldwin, won two awards – Oldest Car and Best Model T – at the 53rd Annual Spring Meet Antique Car Show, sponsored by the Greater NY Region chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America, at Old Westbury Gardens. (© 2019 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

As I arrived at the show, awards were being announced, and the first winners I captured turned out to be brothers: SCOTT GRAMLICH of Baldwin, won two Memorial Awards for his 1925 Model T Ford [see photo above], and KEITH GRAMLICH, won a Memorial Award for his 1928 Studebaker Dictator, Club Sedan [click photo below].

    • NOTE: Click each photo below & see a related one
Old Westbury, New York, USA. June 2, 2019. L-R, SCOTT GRAMLICH, of Baldwin, holds 2 award plaques his 1925 Model T Ford won, and KEITH GRAMLICH, holds the award plaque his 1928 Studebaker Dictator, Club Sedan won at the 53rd Annual Spring Meet Antique Car Show, sponsored by the Greater NY Region (NYGR) of the Antique Automobile Club of America, at Old Westbury Gardens. (© 2019 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Old Westbury, NY, USA. June 2, 2019. L-R, SCOTT GRAMLICH, of Baldwin, holds 2 award plaques his 1925 Model T Ford won, and KEITH GRAMLICH, holds the award plaque his 1928 Studebaker Dictator, Club Sedan won at the 53rd Annual Spring Meet Antique Car Show, sponsored by the Greater NY Region chapter of AACA, at Old Westbury Garden. (© 2019 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

SAMMY, a 14-year-old Bichon Poo, who was very woolly and very cute, enjoyed the Spring Meet with his family.

Old Westbury, New York, USA. June 2, 2019. SAMMY, a 14-year-old Bichon Poo, a Bichon Poodle cross (Bichapoo), with white wooly hair blowing in the wind, wears a blue harness and is on a leash held by 'mom' Debbie Dugan, of Glen Head, as he looks around at the 53rd Annual Spring Meet Antique Car Show. Dugan entered her 1951 Chevy pickup truck in the show. Event was sponsored by the Greater NY Region (NYGR) of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), at Old Westbury Gardens, a Long Island Gold Coast estate. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Old Westbury, NY, USA. June 2, 2019. SAMMY, a 14-year-old Bichon Poo, is on a leash held by ‘mom’ Debbie Dugan, of Glen Head, as he looks around at the 53rd Annual Spring Meet Antique Car Show, sponsored by the Greater NY Region chapter of AACA.  Dugan entered her 1951 Chevy pickup truck in the show. (© 2019 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

DEBBIE DUGAN, safely holding Sammy’s leash, watched the Awards Ceremony with RUSTY BECKER, all three from Glen Head.

Old Westbury, New York, USA. June 2, 2019. L-R, RUSTY BECKER and DEBBIE DUGAN, both of Glen Head, and SAMMY, a 14-year-old Bichon Poo, a Bichon Poodle cross (Bichapoo), are at the 53rd Annual Spring Meet Antique Car Show. Dugan entered her 1951 Chevy pickup truck in the show. Event was sponsored by the Greater NY Region (NYGR) of the Antique Automobile Club of Americaa (AACA), at Old Westbury Gardens, a Long Island Gold Coast estate. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Old Westbury, NY, USA. June 2, 2019. L-R, RUSTY BECKER and DEBBIE DUGAN, both of Glen Head, and SAMMY, a 14-year-old Bichon Poo, a Bichon Poodle cross (Bichapoo), are at the 53rd Annual Spring Meet Antique Car Show. Dugan entered her 1951 Chevy pickup truck in the show. Event was sponsored by the Greater NY Region chapter of the AACA at Old Westbury Gardens. (© 2019 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Dugan entered her blue 1951 Chevy pickup truck in the show, and when I asked where it was parked, she pointed behind her, explaining it was back several rows.

Old Westbury, New York, USA. June 2, 2019. The antique 1951 blue Chevrolet pickup truck, owned by Debbie Dugan of Glen Head, is an entry at the 53rd Annual Spring Meet Antique Car Show, sponsored by the Greater NY Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America, at Old Westbury Gardens. (© 2019 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Old Westbury, NY, USA. June 2, 2019. Antique 1951 blue Chevrolet pickup truck, owned by Debbie Dugan of Glen Head, is an entry at the 53rd Annual Spring Meet Antique Car Show, sponsored by the Greater NY Region of the AACA, at Old Westbury Gardens. (© 2019 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

I’m a long-time 1950’s Chevy fan, so later during the show, I walked to the back rows and found Duggan’s truck, with its beautiful blue body and chrome grill gleaming in the sun.

And before we drive away, let’s enjoy one last beautiful antique, a Model A Ford, whose owner is a member of the Long Island Model A Ford Club.

Old Westbury, NY, USA. June 2, 2019. The black Model A Ford sports a blue grill emblem: Long Island Est. 1959, Model A Ford Club, at the 53rd Annual Spring Meet Antique Car Show at Old Westbury Gardens. (Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Old Westbury, N, USA. June 2, 2019. The black Model A Ford sports a blue grill emblem: “Long Island Est. 1959, Model A Ford Club” at the 53rd Annual Spring Meet Antique Car Show, sponsored by the Greater NY Region chapter of the AACA, at Old Westbury Gardens. (© 2019 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Feature Photo at top of post: Old Westbury, NY, USA. June 2, 2019. A red Chevrolet Master Deluxe antique car drives by trophy table, and ALTHEA TRAVIS, standing at left, dressed in vintage-style nurse’s costume, hands out trophies at the 53rd Annual Spring Meet Antique Car Show, sponsored by the Greater NY Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America, at Old Westbury Gardens.

2019 Antique Car Show at OWG:   PHOTO GALLERY

    • New York Greater Region chapter of AACA: NYGR
    • Antique Automobile Club of America: AACA
    • Old Westbury Gardens:  SITE  •  JOIN

CONTACT ME

Bellmore, New York, USA. August 24, 2018. Parked under the elevated LIRR train tracks are some of the hundreds of classic and custom cars on display at Bellmore Friday Night Car Show, in parking lot of Bellmore station.

Bellmore Friday Night Car Shows 3: Red, White & Blowtorch

Leave a reply

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
August 31, 2018

Bellmore, New York, USA. August 24, 2018. At the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show, many cars and visitors are under the overhead tracks at the Bellmore LIRR train station. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Bellmore, NY, USA. August 24, 2018. At the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show, many cars and visitors are under the overhead tracks at the Bellmore LIRR train station. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Whether their cars wore vivid coats of paint or muted ones, the owners I met at the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show last week were colorful and happy to talk, especially about the treasures they drove there.

Mr. Blowtorch

Standing next to his sleek black Chevy SS, “Mr. Blowtorch” was handing out small free stickers – each with a beautifully illustrated car scene and “Friday Night • Car Show • Bellmore” on it.

Bellmore, New York, USA. August 24, 2018. Hundreds of classic and custom cars are on display at Bellmore Friday Night Car Show, in parking lot of LIRR Bellmore station. This traditional Long Island event is hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Bellmore, NY, USA. August 24, 2018. “Mr. Blowtorch” holds stickers he’s giving away for free, in front of his black Chevrolet SS at Bellmore Friday Night Car Show, in parking lot of LIRR Bellmore station. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

I took two or three stickers as he shared anecdotes, and showed photos on his cell phone, about his former career as a theatrical stage metal worker (NYC’s Local One – IATSE). 

So “Mr. Blowtorch” was the nickname he got at work, which spanned decades and continents, and included making the large flat metal world map, showing several rotated views of Earth, for the set of CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite!

See the USA in Your 1957 Chevrolet

A big fan of the Chevy Tri-Years, 1955-57 (and shiny red things), I headed straight to a red 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air as soon as I spotted it. 

Bellmore, New York, USA. August 24, 2018. Hundreds of classic and custom cars are on display at Bellmore Friday Night Car Show, in parking lot of LIRR Bellmore station. This traditional Long Island event is hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Bellmore, NY, USA. August 24, 2018. Visitors at left finish taking close look at red 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air at Bellmore Friday Night Car Show, and its owner opens driver’s door, to relocate car across lane. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

The twin chrome rockets on its open hood looked ready to blast over the elevated train tracks of the Bellmore LIRR train station. 

Bellmore, NY, USA. August 24, 2018. Closeup of rocket ornaments on open hood of red 1957 Chevy Bel Air that is on display at Bellmore Friday Night Car Show, in parking lot of LIRR Bellmore station. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Bellmore, NY, USA. August 24, 2018. On open hood of red 1957 Chevy Bel Air, rocket ornament points up toward overhead tracks of LIRR train station, during Bellmore Friday Night Car Show. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

It turned out I arrived just in time to capture a shot of that, since – though the rockets weren’t leaving the car – the car was about to move to an apparently more desirable spot that had just opened up across the lane. 

Bellmore, New York, USA. August 24, 2018. Hundreds of classic and custom cars are on display at Bellmore Friday Night Car Show, in parking lot of LIRR Bellmore station. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Bellmore, N, USA. August 24, 2018. Closeup of front grill and bumper of red 1957 Chevy Bel Air on display at Bellmore Friday Night Car Show. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

The alert owner quickly – and very carefully – moved his Chevy to the new space, where the dusk light softly lit up the golden front grill and chrome bumper.

Back to the 80’s

And this cruise night certainly didn’t disappoint when it came to creative, fun vanity plates.

Bellmore, New York, USA. August 24, 2018. Hundreds of classic and custom cars are on display at Bellmore Friday Night Car Show, in parking lot of LIRR Bellmore station. This traditional Long Island event is hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Bellmore, NY, USA. August 24, 2018. Owner Frankie D’Amore, of Levittown, is seated, at right, next to  his 1984 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible with fitting license plate number, at Bellmore Friday Night Car Show. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

FRANKIE D’AMORE, of Levittown, had “BAC2D80S” license plates on his white with red interior 1984 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible. Small green, white and red “Italia” boxing gloves dangling from the rear view mirror gave an extra personal touch.

Bellmore, New York, USA. August 24, 2018. Owner Frankie D'Amore, of Levittown sits next to his 1984 white Cadillac El Dorado Biarritz convertible with a particularly fitting license plate number BAC2D80S, at Bellmore Friday Night Car Show. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Bellmore, NY, USA. August 24, 2018. At left, owner Frankie D’Amore, of Levittown gives a “thumbs up” as he sits next to his 1984 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible, at Bellmore Friday Night Car Show. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Cruise Nighttime

It was well past sunset when I left shortly before 9 PM that late summer night.

Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores members, wearing yellow reflective safety vests, were collecting entrance fees from drivers of the classic, antique and customized cars, who had over an hour of cruise night to enjoy.

For me, like the rest of the hundreds of visitors who walked in, Bellmore Friday Night Car Show was free.

Bellmore, New York, USA. August 24, 2018. Members of Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores, wearing yellow reflective safety vests, give drivers a car sticker after they collect $3 entrance fee from each car entering the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show at the Bellmore LIRR Train Station parking lot. Visitors walk in for free. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Bellmore, NY, USA. August 24, 2018. Members of Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores, wearing yellow reflective safety vests, collect entrance fee from each car entering the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show. Visitors walk in for free. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Just the Facts

WHEN:  Weekly meets from first week of May to first week of October: MAY 3 to OCT. 5, 2018, from 6 PM – 10 PM (weather permitting)

WHERE:  Bellmore LIRR parking lot on Sunrise Highway (between Bellmore Ave. & Bedford Ave.)

INFO:  bellmorechamber.com   (516)-679-1875 – The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores and the Town of Hempstead host Friday Night Bellmore Car Shows

UPDATE:  2019 Schedule

Weekly Friday meets from MAY 3 to OCT. 4, 2019, from 6 PM -10 PM (weather permitting)

2018 Bellmore Friday Night Car Shows:   PHOTO GALLERY

CONTACT ME

Bellmore Friday Night Car Shows 2

Leave a reply

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
August 17, 2017

Last Friday, my friend Bob and I walked out of International Delight Cafe where we had dinner, and plunged into the tide of cars, motorcycles and fellow walkers heading to the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show at the Bellmore LIRR Station parking lot.

    • UPDATE: see 2019 Schedule for Friday Night Car Shows at end of post
Bellmore, New York, USA. 11th August 2017. Hood ornament closeup is shown of 1938 Pontiac 2-door sedan parked at the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Bellmore, NY, USA.  August 11, 2017. Shown is hood ornament of 1938 Pontiac 2-door sedan at the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show. (© 2017 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Before long, we were in a colorful sea of parked cars and enjoying the breezy evening. Then we met up with friends and started to explore.

As usual, I spent most of my time lingering at just a few cars, so I could pay careful attention to them, and chat with their owners when possible.

  • Click on each photo below for larger view 
Bellmore, New York, USA. August 11, 2017. Red RAM lifted underlit truck drives past onlookers at the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Bellmore, New York, USA. August 11, 2017. Red RAM lifted underlit truck drives past onlookers at the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show (© 2017 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

1958 Oldsmobile “Bugmobile”

“Bugsy” is embroidered on FRANK MARTOCCI‘s  green cap, which matches the color of the 1958 Oldsmobile Super 88 4-door sedan he fondly calls his “Bugmobile.”

Bellmore, New York, USA. 11th August 2017. FRANK MARTOCCI, of Bellmore is owner of green Oldsmobile, 1958. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Bellmore, NY, USA. August 11, 2017. FRANK MARTOCCI, of Bellmore, owns the green Bugsmobile 1958 Oldsmobile at Bellmore Friday Night Car Show. (© 2017 Ann Parry, Ann-Parry.com)

What first drew my attention to Martocci’s classic Oldsmobile were the colorful plastic cheeseburger, ketchup and mustard bottles on the food tray suspended from the passenger window partly rolled down – but it just as easily could have been the colorful plastic bugs strewn on the car’s exterior and top of the cheeseburger.

Bellmore, New York, USA. 11th August 2017. Chrome hood ornament is seen closeup of green 1958 Oldsmobile, owned by Frank Martocci, of Bellmore, at Bellmore Friday Night Car Show. Marocci calls the classic car his Bugmobile. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Bellmore, New York, USA. 11th August 2017. Chrome hood ornament is seen closeup of green 1958 Oldsmobile, owned by Frank Martocci, of Bellmore, at Bellmore Friday Night Car Show. Martocci calls the classic car his Bugmobile. (© 2017 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

The Bugsmobile is the first and only car Martocci has ever had. He used it for his driver’s license Road Test, and by next month, September 2017, he’ll have had it for 40 years.

Bellmore, New York, USA. 11th August 2017. At Bellmore Friday Night Car Show, Frank Martocci, of Bellmore, is owner of Bugmobile, owner of green Oldsmobile, 1958, with left taillight shown in detail where chrome piece is swung open to reveal opening the gas is put in tank. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Bellmore, New York, USA. 11th August 2017. To fill tank with gas, chrome piece swings open on left tail light of 1958 Oldsmobile owned by FRANK MARTOCCI, at Bellmore Friday Night Car Show  (© 2107 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

1967 Volkswagon Wunderbug Woody

MIKE RADOMSKI, of Valley Stream, is the artistic owner of the 1967 Volkswagen Wunderbug Woody Wagon that drew lots of appreciative attention from visitors.

Bellmore, New York, USA. 11th August 2017.  At right, MIKE RADOMSKI, of Valley Stream, owner of 1967 Wunderbug Volkswagen, and BRYAN RICHHEIMER, of Vermont, chat at Bellmore Friday Night Car Show. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Bellmore, New York, USA. 11th August 2017.  At right, MIKE RADOMSKI, of Valley Stream, owner of 1967 Wunderbug Volkswagen, and BRYAN RICHHEIMER, a bird sculptor from Vermont, chat at Bellmore Friday Night Car Show. (© 2017 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Woodys, with their golden warm panels, are innately handsome vehicles, and Radomski customized his with flare.

The wooden roof luggage rack carries three surfboards with natural wood finish. He told how a man so loved this look during an earlier car show that he asked if Radomski would bring the wagon to the man’s beach party.

Bellmore, New York, USA. 11th August 2017. At Bellmore Friday Night Car Show, MIKE RADOMSKI, of Valley Stream, is the owner of Wunderbug Woody Volkswagen, with homemade angel hood ornament. Elevated tracks of Bellmore Long Island Rail Road station are seen in background. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Bellmore, New York, USA. 11th August 2017. At Bellmore Friday Night Car Show, MIKE RADOMSKI, of Valley Stream, owns Wunderbug Woody Volkswagen. Elevated tracks of Bellmore Long Island Rail Road station are in background. (© 2017 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Radomski covered the Wunderbug hood in colorful floral fabric of earthy red yellow and greens. And I was fascinated by the trumpeting angel hood ornament he handmade from three silver forks, a 10-penny nail and a washer!

Bellmore, New York, USA. 11th August 2017.  At right, MIKE RADOMSKI, of Valley Stream, owner of 1967 Wunderbug Volkswagen, and BRYAN RICHHEIMER, of Vermont, chat at Bellmore Friday Night Car Show. RADOMSKI made angel hood ornament made from 3 silver forks, 10 penny nail, and a washer. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Bellmore, NY, USA.  Aug. 11, 2017.  MIKE RADOMSKI, of Valley Stream, the owner of 1967 Wunderbug Volkswagen, made angel hood ornament. (© 2017 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

And, yes, the Woody Wagon got to go to the beach party :)

Going & Coming

Around 8:30 pm, we left to head back to IDC for some homemade gelato, and passed the ever-alert volunteers from the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores and the Nassau Auxiliary police guiding the steady stream of cars into the parking lot.

Bellmore, New York, USA. August 11, 2017. Members of the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores and Nassau County Auxiliary Police wear yellow neon reflective safety vests as they guide cars into the main lot of the Long Island Rail Road Bellmore Train Station parking lot where the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show is held. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Bellmore, New York, USA. August 11, 2017. Members of the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores and Nassau County Auxiliary Police wear safety vests as they guide cars into LIRR Bellmore Train Station parking lot for Bellmore Friday Night Car Show. (© 2017 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

We each had the fun challenge of choosing one of the 80 or so flavors of gelato. For me, chatting with new and old friends while eating a scoop of chocolate chip gelato on a gluten-free waffle was a great way to end that summer night in Bellmore.

Bellmore, New York, USA. 11th August 2017. Motorcyclist locks up her parked Harley Davidson motorcycle parked with other motorcycles across the street from Bellmore Friday Night Car Show, in parking lot of LIRR Bellmore station. (Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Bellmore, New York, USA. 11th August 2017. Motorcyclist locks up her parked Harley Davidson motorcycle parked with other motorcycles across the street from Bellmore Friday Night Car Show, in parking lot of LIRR Bellmore station. (© 2017 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Just the Facts

WHEN:  Weekly meets from MAY 12 to OCT. 6, 2017, from 6 PM – 10 PM (weather permitting)

WHERE:  Bellmore LIRR parking lot on Sunrise Highway (between Bellmore Ave. & Bedford Ave.)

INFO:  bellmorechamber.com   (516)-679-1875 – The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores and the Town of Hempstead host Friday Night Bellmore Car Shows

UPDATE:  2019 Schedule

Weekly Friday meets from MAY 3 to OCT. 4, 2019, from 6 PM -10 PM (weather permitting)

2017 Bellmore Friday Night Car Shows:   GALLERY

CONTACT ME

New York International Auto Show 2017

Leave a reply

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
April 13, 2017

Wednesday I covered the New York International Auto Show 2017, which I’d been looking forward to ever since NYIAS 2016. It was raining a bit when my train reached the city, so I bought an umbrella at Penn Station, mainly to protect my gear during my walk to Javits Center.

Manhattan, New York, USA. April 12, 2017. L-R, KLAUS ZELLMER, President and Chief Executive Officer of Porsche Cars North America, Inc, and ANDREAS PREUNINGER, GT Project Director Porsche AG, introduce two new cars making their North American Premiere: Panamera Sport Turismo (silver car on left) and 911 GT3 (red car on right) during the Porsche Press Conference at the New York International Auto Show, NYIAS, during the first Press Day at the Javits Center. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Manhattan, NY, USA. April 12, 2017. L-R, KLAUS ZELLMER, Pres. & CEO of Porsche Cars N.A., Inc, and ANDREAS PREUNINGER, GT Project Dir. Porsche AG, speak at Porsche Press Conference at New York International Auto Show during Press Day at Javits Center. (© 2017 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

After a quick-ish walk up to and around the center’s vast 3rd Floor, I caught the Porsche Press Conference, which coincidentally was also the first one I caught last year. At the Exotics section I focused mainly on the Spyker C8 Preliator, Keonigsegg Agera RS, and the Rolls-Royce Dawn with its Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet ornament.

Manhattan, New York, USA. April 12, 2017. Koenigsegg Agera RS, white and black with alcantara blue interior, is on display in the Exotics car section at the New York International Auto Show, NYIAS, during the first Press Day at the Javits Center. Only 25 Koenigsegg Agera RS sports cars will be produced in this exclusive series by the Swedish company. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Manhattan, NY, USA. April 12, 2017. Koenigsegg Agera RS, white & black with alcantara blue interior, is displayed in Exotics section at New York International Auto Show at Javits Center. (© 2017 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Lexus displayed its eye-catching New York Fashion Week cars, and I grabbed the chance to interview Beau Valenzuela, who’s part of the SCPS Unlimited crew that created the programmable light display with roughly 42.000 LEDS on the Lexus LIT IS 350.

As I left Javits Center early that evening, I paused to capture the colorful reflections on its glass walls, then headed back to Penn Station.

Manhattan, New York, USA. April 12, 2017. Nearby construction at corner or 11th Avenue and W 35th Street is reflected on exterior glass walls of Javits Center on early spring evening. (Ann Parry/annparry.com)

Manhattan, NY, USA. April 12, 2017. Construction near corner of 11th Ave. & W 35th St. is reflected on exterior glass walls of Javits Center. (© 2017 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Soon after the train started, I opened a not-cold-enough can of soda that sprayed on my Nikon and me. Yikes! Two neighbors gave me tissues, and a fellow across the aisle handed me lens spray and wipes. It turned out he shoots videos and was also returning from NYIAS, so we talked cars and photography and videos till I got up for my stop.

N.Y. International Auto Show 2017:  GALLERY

CONTACT ME

Antique Car Show at Old Westbury Gardens 2016

Leave a reply

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
June 14, 2016

I literally & frequently had to hold on to my hat Sunday afternoon, since it was such a breezy spring day at the Antique & Collectible Auto Show – with hundreds of vintage, classic, and collectible vehicles – at Old Westbury Gardens.

Westbury, New York, USA. June 12, 2016. Flying Lady hood ornament with clear plastic insert in wings on 1940 red Chevrolet Super Deluxe sedan is on view at the Antique and Collectible Auto Show at the 50th Annual Spring Meet at Old Westbury Gardens, in the Gold Coast of Long Island, and sponsored by Greater New York Region, GNYR, Antique Automobile Club of America, AACA. Participating vehicles in the judged show included hundreds of domestic and foreign, antique, classic, collectible, and modern cars. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Westbury, New York, USA. June 12, 2016. Flying Lady hood ornament on 1940 red Chevrolet Super Deluxe sedan is on view at the Antique and Collectible Auto Show at the 50th Annual Spring Meet at Old Westbury Gardens. (© 2016 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

After getting a cold soda at the refreshment table, I spotted Pastor Green and Miska – a Service Dog who helps Marine veterans – near the Free Hugs booth of Marine Corps League, North Shore Queens Detachment #240. Both the pastor and his Husky and German Shepherd mix partner were so patient as I captured photos of Miska with her arresting ice-blue eyes and white fur.

Westbury, New York, USA. June 12, 2016. MISKA, an NYPD (New York Police Department) Service Dog trained to help American veterans, attends the Antique and Collectible Auto Show at the 50th Annual Spring Meet at Old Westbury Gardens, in the Gold Coast of Long Island. Miska is part Husky and part German Shepherd, and has light blue eyes and white fur, and was with Pastor Green, of U.S. Marines, from Queens. The car show was sponsored by Greater New York Region, GNYR, Antique Automobile Club of America, AACA. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Westbury, New York, USA. June 12, 2016. MISKA, a Service Dog trained to help Veterans, attends the Antique and Collectible Auto Show at the 50th Annual Spring Meet at Old Westbury Gardens. (© 2016 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Especially because this was the rain date for the event, some participants had other commitments to go to, so the trophy ceremony began early, explained officers from the Antique Automobile Club of America’s Greater New York Region chapter, which sponsored this 50th Annual Spring Meet.

Westbury, New York, USA. June 12, 2016. A yellow 1948 Bantam Roadster, owned by Wade Jacobs of Mineola, has reflection of man walking by nearby vintage black car on its hubcap, at the Antique and Collectible Auto Show at the 50th Annual Spring Meet at Old Westbury Gardens, in the Gold Coast of Long Island, and sponsored by Greater New York Region, GNYR, Antique Automobile Club of America, AACA. Participating vehicles in the judged show included hundreds of domestic and foreign, antique, classic, collectible, and modern cars. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Westbury, New York, USA. June 12, 2016. A yellow 1948 Bantam Roadster, owned by Wade Jacobs of Mineola, has reflection on hubcap of man at vintage black car, at  Antique and Collectible Auto Show at Old Westbury Gardens. (© 2016 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

After winners got their good news and gleaming trophies, a few cars and then a few more and more began a slow procession through lush green grounds to the west gate of the Gold Coast mansion estate.

Westbury, New York, USA. June 12, 2016. MARK OFFENBERG, of Valley Stream, drives his silver 1973 Intermeccanica Squire SS-100 Italian luxury classic roadster while his passenger holds 3rd Place Trophy the car won in the foreign car category at the Antique and Collectible Auto Show at the 50th Annual Spring Meet at Old Westbury Gardens, in the Gold Coast of Long Island, and sponsored by Greater New York Region, GNYR, Antique Automobile Club of America, AACA. Car is the 46th of only 50 Intermeccanica's coachbuilt in Turin, Italy. Participating vehicles in the judged show included hundreds of domestic and foreign, antique, classic, collectible, and modern cars and trucks. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Westbury, New York, USA. June 12, 2016. MARK OFFENBERG, of Valley Stream, drives his 1973 Intermeccanica Squire SS-100 roadster while passenger holds trophy M.O. won at Antique & Collectible Auto Show, Old Westbury Gardens. (© 2016 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Postscript:

Driving home in Bob’s faithful 2000 Honda later that day, we passed a local business with a large American flag flying at half mast, likely in sympathy for the victims of the horrific mass shootings early that morning at the Orlando nightclub.

“Hold on tight because this is going to hurt like hell.” – John A Passara

2016 Car Show at OWG:   GALLERY

CONTACT ME

New York International Auto Show 2016

Leave a reply

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
March 28, 2016

I LOVE COVERING CAR SHOWS – whether capturing photos of a couple in their rusty classic truck in a field or a CEO unveiling his company’s sports car in what looks like the set of a high-end ad shoot.

A red Toyota C-HR Concept car is on display at the New York International Auto Show 2016, at the Jacob Javits Center. This was Press Preview Day one of NYIAS, and the Trade Show will be open to the public for ten days, March 25th through April 3rd. (Ann Parry)

Manhattan, NY, USA. March 23, 2016.  Toyota C-HR Concept car is on display at New York International Auto Show 2016, at the Jacob Javits Center. (© 2016 Ann Parry/ Ann-Parry.com)

At the current New York International Auto Show, the only fields are projected on vast screens that seconds later might show cars speeding along mountain roads, or sun flares caressing beautiful women.

Early in the morning last Wednesday – Press Preview Day One of the New York International Auto Show – I packed my badge, Nikon DSLR with two lenses: 24-200/f2.8mm and 16mm 180-degree fisheye, and then took the LIRR to Penn Station and walked to the Javits Center.

Lexus RX, a closeup of hood and emblem shown, is decorated with old-fashioned pink telephone handsets on outspace background by Jeremy Scott, is on display at the New York International Auto Show 2016, at the Jacob Javits Center. For New York Fashion Week, Lexus commissioned designer Scott to wrap10 Lexus RX cars in prints from his Fall collection inspired by space cowgirl, a sign explained. This was Press Preview Day one of NYIAS, and the Trade Show will be open to the public for ten days, March 25th through April 3rd. (Ann Parry)

Manhattan, NY, USA. March 23, 2016. Lexus RX, decorated with telephone handsets on outer space background by Jeremy Scott, is shown at New York International Auto Show 2016 at Jacob Javits Center.. (© 2016 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

It was fun work, with lots of walking and opportunities for capturing photos of gleaming autos and people.

At the end of the day was a special surprise: Trina Merry Studio recreated the NYIAS official poster as living art, with the painted and positioned bodies of her models forming the red car shown heading up the road.

Artist TRINA MERRY, and her Trina Merry Studios, created a piece of living art, where models' bodies are painted and then positioned to resemble a red car, on view at the Media Party after the first day of the New York International Auto Show 2016, at the Jacob Javits Center. The artwork recreated the NYIAS poster. This was Press Preview Day one of NYIAS, and the Trade Show will be open to the public for ten days, March 25th through April 3rd. (Ann Parry)

Manhattan, NY, USA. March 23, 2016. Artist TRINA MERRY and her Studio create a piece of living art, after first day of New York International Auto Show at Jacob Javits Center.  (© 2016 Ann Parry, Ann-Parry.com)

What an auto-magic ending to a great day!

New York International Auto Show 2016:  Gallery 2016 

CONTACT ME

Car Show at Old Westbury Gardens 2015

Leave a reply

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
June 11, 2015

One of the things I most enjoy about covering Long Island over the years is getting to know our people, and I was happy to see quite a few familiar faces (and cars) at Sunday’s Antique Car Show. The 50th Annual Spring Meet Car Show sponsored by Greater New York Region Antique Automobile Club of America had over a thousand antique, classic, and custom cars throughout the vast green lawns of historic Old Westbury Gardens.

Old Westbury, New York, United States. 7th June 2015. JACKSON STERN, five-months-old, holds the steering wheel of a red 1954 Chevrolet Corvette convertible as he sits in the lap of his father JOSHUA STERN, at the 50th Annual Spring Meet Car Show sponsored by Greater New York Region Antique Automobile Club of America. The Corvette, which was parked, is owned by Adam Heller of NYC. Over 1,000 antique, classic, and custom cars participated at the popular Long Island vintage car show held at historic Old Westbury Gardens. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Old Westbury, New York, USA. June 7, 2015. JACKSON STERN, five-months-old, holds steering wheel of red 1954 Chevrolet Corvette convertible as he sits with his father JOSHUA STERN, at 50th Annual Spring Meet Car Show at Old Westbury Gardens. Adam Heller, of NYC, is owner of the Vette. (© 2015 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Some of new faces I met were: Ex-Chief NEIL HICKS and firefighter ALEX SEQUEIRA at the prize-winning Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department truck; SAM GRECO and LAURA GRECO who brought 5 vintage cars to the show; likely the youngest ‘driver’ there, JACKSON STERN, with his dad JOSHUA STERN in Adam Heller’s 1954 Corvette; and Veteran JOHN GIORDANO and his fellow Marines giving Free Hugs at the Marine Corps League North Shore Queens Detachment #240 booth.

When I visited the trophy area, at first I didn’t recognize the charming woman – decked in pearls, vintage-style dress and black straw sunhat – who was getting ready to hand out the trophies. When an equally charming man, in dapper suit and straw hat with black band, came over and said his name, I realized they were ALTHEA TRAVIS and TOM MCCARTHY, the smiling couple I had captured photos of last December in Huntington at the Sparkboom Jingle Boom Holiday Bash!

Old Westbury, New York, USA.  June 7, 2015. A 1966 Ford Good Humor Ice Cream Truck, owned by Richard Blech, is featured at the 50th Annual Spring Meet Car Show at Old Westbury Gardens. (© 2015 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Old Westbury, New York, USA.  June 7, 2015. A 1966 Ford Good Humor Ice Cream Truck, owned by Richard Blech, is featured at the 50th Annual Spring Meet Car Show at Old Westbury Gardens. (© 2015 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

At the end of that warm spring day, I was happy RICHARD BLECH‘S The Vintage Ice Cream Guys 1966 Ford Good Humor Ice Cream Truck, with the 4 classic bells by the Bevin Brothers, was still stocked with frozen pops for sale.

Car Shows at Old Westbury Gardens:
PHOTO GALLERY 2015   •  PHOTO GALLERY 2014

Old Westbury Gardens:  SITE  •  JOIN

CONTACT ME

When is a Car Not a Car?

Leave a reply

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
April 28, 2014

Yesterday, when meeting up with friends who’d arrived earlier at the Queens Farm 35th Annual Antique Auto Show, I asked what I should be sure to catch.  “There’s a small red car with 3 wheels that’s really something, and a BMW that opens from the front….”

Floral Park, New York, U.S. - A red BRA CX3, a custom Beribo Replica Automobiles kit vehicle at the 35th Annual Antique Auto Show at Queens Farm. (© 2014 Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Floral Park, NY, U.S.  – BRA CX3, a custom kit Beribo Replica Automobiles, Queens Farm Antique Auto Show. (© 2014 Ann Parry/ann-parry.com)

So I headed to Steve Kaplan’s red BRA CX3, which he made using a Beribo Replica Automobiles custom kit and 1983 Honda motorcycle, and because it’s 3-wheeled, the DMV registered it as a 2009 Custom Motorcycle.

Then I captured a colorful range of other cars brought by New York Antique Auto Club members, as I made my way to the opposite end of the field to see the 1958 BMW Isetta, designed by the Italian ISO refrigerator company. And like in a refrigerator, the Isetta’s door swings open from the front!

Auto Show, Queens County Farm Museum  2014 GALLERY | 2013 GALLERY

CONTACT ME

2013 Garden City Vintage Car Parade and Show

Garden City Vintage Car Parade and Show

Leave a reply

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
April 3, 2013

Last Sunday, Garden City Chamber of Commerce’s 58th Annual Easter Vintage Car Parade and Show featured hundreds of antique, classic and special interest motorcars. Though a gray, cold, windy day, happily the rain held off till that night.

This Pierce-Arrow luxury convertible, with two Easter Rabbits in back seat, is the lead car in the 58th Annual Easter Sunday Vintage Car Parade and Show sponsored by the Garden City Chamber of Commerce. Hundreds of authentic old motorcars, 1898-1988, including antiques, classic, and special interest participated in the parade. (Ann Parry/Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

Garden City, NY, USA. March 31, 2013. Pierce-Arrow convertible leads 8th Annual Easter Sunday Vintage Car Parade and Show sponsored by Garden City Chamber of Commerce. (© 2013 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Seeing skillfully, lovingly restored and maintained cars meant even more when owners shared the restoration process, brought to life through photos and paperwork that document the process.

Some parade participants and spectators wore Easter Bonnets, Rabbit Ears, or outfits appropriate for specific vehicles. A volunteer firefighter with the 1932 Ford Fire Engine of the Garden City Volunteer Exempt Firemans Association wore, you guessed it, a fireman’s coat.

Garden City Easter Vintage Car Parade & Show 2013: GALLERY

CONTACT ME