car show

By Caroline O’Callaghan

It was a sunny day on May 18 for the first Flowerfield car show of the season, which shuffled in droves of visitors. The St. James fairgrounds off Route 25A ceremoniously showcased dozens of modern and vintage vehicles alongside their proud owners, vendors and musicians on its lawns. The car show and swap meet event was one of many held there every year by Long Island Cars. 

Some of those in attendance were auto enthusiasts looking to downsize, like Ken Sitterley, who came there to sell his preloved 1950 Chevrolet Deluxe among other things. Sitterley, who is currently trying to purge his load of around 20 cars, reflected on his time with the Deluxe. “I drove this car for many years, went to different events with it, just as you see it — believe it or not,” said Sitterley. As he spoke, a man purchased the car, “I came out today to sell all this stuff. And I’ve sold the car to this gentleman over here,” Sitterley confirmed. 

Many car owners sparked discussions with one another based on similar interests. Thomas Galicia and Don Heitner parked their muscle cars next to each other and the rest was history. Both of them expressed gratitude for the freedom their cars have brought them as they’ve gotten older. Galicia, who drives a 2017 Dodge Challenger GT, loves its convertible feature. 

“It was the first way I could get back into having a muscle car because I had kids. When my last child got her license, it was time to go back to a two-door car,” said Galicia. He was elated over the unconventional terrain that the fairgrounds provides for car shows.

Galicia continued, “I love Flowerfield, it’s great. It’s nice being able to walk around a grass field as opposed to walking around an “asphalt jungle” where most of these car shows are. When you get to be my age, it’s a lot easier on your knees to walk around in the grass.” 

Heitner, with his 1995 Camaro Z28 6 Speed Convertible, spoke of the beautiful weather at Flowerfield, “Today is one of the best days of the year, and there’s not that many of them that line up with the car shows, so, today’s a good day.” 

Although Heitner said his Camaro is “a little low to the ground,” he doesn’t mind getting in and out of it as it “keeps him young.” 

There were trucks on display as well. Helen and Robert Mayer came with their black 1949 Dodge Pickup decked out in memorabilia from its original era. As it turned out, the truck was a family heirloom for Robert. 

Helen described the valiant history of the truck, “[Robert’s] father bought it new, and his father died back in ‘65. So, it’s been out of the woods for the last 30 years, at least. And we started [rebuilding the truck] at our house over several years ago.” 

She then pointed to a board in the trunk which contained photos of the truck at various phases of its restoration and a description of the Mayer family’s rich history with the vehicle. For Ben Piecora, the Flowerfield car show goes back generations, as his father brought him to the show when he was growing up. “I’m always gonna vote for more car shows. I’ve been coming to Flowerfield since I was little, so I’ve been coming here for about 10 years,” said Piecora. 

Piecora drove his refurbished 1989 Chevrolet Corvette — the same car that his father showed at Flowerfields when he was a child.

Due to rain in the forecast for Saturday, the annual Spring Appreciation Day at the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook has been rescheduled to Sunday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. offering a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family.  Visitors can enjoy a variety of entertainment and experiences during this free event, including:

  • Steppin’ Out Ponies & Petting Zoo (1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in front of D.K. Brothers): Children can interact with a variety of friendly animals.
  • Mustang & Shelby Club of Long Island Car Show (10 a.m. to 3 p.m. behind the Post Office): A spectacular display of Mustangs from 1964 to today, including classic models like the Shelby GT500, GT350, and the Boss 302. This event will also celebrate National Mustang Day, as MSCLI kicks off the season with up to 70 Mustangs on display. (MSCLI members must pre-register to participate; for more information, contact[email protected].)
  • Live Music by Brenda & Burke (noon to 4 p.m. at the Stony Brook Post Office): Enjoy an eclectic mix of R&B, Roots, Blues, and Contemporary Acoustic performances.
  • The Ward Melville Heritage Organization Youth Corps (1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Inner Court): Family-friendly scavenger hunt for all to enjoy. One lucky winner will win a Stony Brook Village gift certificate. Other prizes are available for each participant.
  • Stony Brook Fire Department (noon to 3 p.m. behind the Post Office): Meet local firefighters, explore a fire truck up close, and learn about volunteer opportunities. Giveaway items will be available for children and adults.

While enjoying the festivities, visitors can shop the latest spring styles with special deals at participating Stony Brook Village shops and dine at one of seven delicious restaurants in the open-air village center.

Spring Appreciation Day is sponsored by News 12 Long Island, Goldfish Swim School, and Renewal by Andersen. For more information, visit stonybrookvillage.com

By Bill Landon

It was the Jaguar Drivers Club of Long Island’s 51st edition of their annual car show held on the Great Lawn of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Mansion, Museum & Planetarium Sunday afternoon, Oct. 6. The show, known as the Jaguar Invitational Concours d’Elegance, was held under brilliant sunshine and deep blue skies in the heart of Centerport, overlooking Long Island Sound. 

Jaguars and anything British adorned the lawn of the 43-acre estate as the entries were judged in several different categories: Championship, Driven and Special Division as well as the People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice awards.

— Photos by Bill Landon

By Bill Landon

As the saying goes, “The show must go on,” and despite high temperatures, in the shared parking lot of East Wind and The Shoppes in Wading River, the show did go on, as it does every Wednesday evening from 5 to 9 p.m. through October with a Cruise Night Car Show. 

Packing the lot was a full complement of vintage classic cars and souped up muscle cars, along with the most modern exotic automobiles.

The area’s business owners welcome the enthusiastic, Wednesday night cruisers, because they bring their appetites and peruse the community’s various speciality shops.

— Photos by Bill Landon