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Car show

Port Jefferson Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption hosts annual car show and charity event

by TBR Staff - June 29, 2025

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By Caroline O’Callaghan

The Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption of Port Jefferson was the poised backdrop for the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association Chapter 319’s fourth annual charity car show on Saturday, June 21. The multisponsored event was held to raise money for the organization Agape Meals for Kids, whose mission is to help provide essential meals to local children who experience food insecurity. Residents and local representatives bore the heat in support of a great cause.

Visitors and car enthusiasts enjoyed the show of vintage vehicles, locally provided food trucks and virtual driving simulation games.

To mark the fourth consecutive gathering, several supporters of the car show were honored during a humbling ceremony. One of those supporters was Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay (D, 4). Kassay noted the large number of sponsorships was in direct correlation to the significance of the event for its community.

“The sponsorships behind us really show just how much support there is for this work for these individuals, how much work goes into getting these funds from our local businesses to the charities that are supported like Agape Meals for Kids, which we’re so grateful [to have] for our local children,” said Kassay.

Kassay also honored Ray Iasili, who has been a devoted admin of the AHEPA Ch. 319 car show since its conception, with a Proclamation Citation for his outstanding service to the community.

“I see you’re shaking your head because you’re a humble man, but truly, the work that you do, you will never know the depth of support that you’ve brought to families and continue to do so. You know it in your heart, and our families feel it and we need to recognize you and that work today,” Kassay told Iasili.

Kassay was referring to the enormous impact that the car show has had on Agape Meals for Kids. The charity’s president, Irene Michalos, was also honored. Michalos praised AHEPA Ch. 319 for their exponential contributions since Agape began its mission four years ago. “When we packed our first 137 backpacks in December of 2021, we couldn’t have imagined that number would grow to over 18,000, but here we are and your support made that possible,” Michalos said to the crowd.

For those who came out to show their cars and compete in its competition, the small event gave way to big kindnesses. Ron Bernardini came through with his turquoise 1952 Ford Crestline. The car was a showstopper to visitors, and Bernardini was happy with the turnout.

“Today’s a very small show, but a very nice show,” said Bernardini, “the people were all very lovely and they appreciate older things, so they’ve been very kind and very complimentary.” Bernardini continued, “People respect older things that are taken care of, and what can I say? This car is the embodiment of that.”

The future of the annual AHEPA Ch. 319 charity car show is bright, according to Iasili, who hopes the event continues to grow.

“I just love everybody that comes out and helps and supports,” Iasili said. “Let’s do it again next year for a bigger crowd.”

–Photos by Caroline O’Callaghan

Flowerfield Fairgrounds hosts its first car show of the year

by TBR Staff - May 23, 2025

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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.

Spring Appreciation Day in Stony Brook Village moved to April 27

by Press Release - April 25, 2025

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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

Cruise Night Car Show at the Shoppes at East Wind attracts the classics

by Bill Landon - September 7, 2024

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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

Car show raises $25K for vets and first responders

by Rita J. Egan - May 25, 2023

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Paws of War and the Fabulous 50s and 60s Nostalgia Car Club hosted a car show on Sunday, May 21, at Nesconset Plaza.

The organizations raised $25,000 to support local veterans and first responders in the Long Island community. The car show included vintage, classic and custom cars, live music, hot food, 50/50 raffles and more.

The proceeds from the event will help Paws of War provide injured veterans and first responders with a companion dog that will be trained to become a service dog through the organization’s service dog training classes.

Jaguar car show heads to Vanderbilt Museum this weekend

by Press Release - September 9, 2022

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Car Show 4 — From left, 1970 Jaguar XKE, 1966 Jaguar XKE, 1952 Jaguar XK-120. Photo by Heidi Sutton

The Jaguar Drivers Club of Long Island will hold its annual Concours d’Elegance, a show of vintage and modern Jaguars and other British and international makes on the Great Lawn at the Vanderbilt Museum overlooking Northport Harbor on Sunday, September 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date: September 18).

Charity raffle proceeds will benefit Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center (https://www.littleshelter.org/) and General Needs (https://generalneeds.org/), an organization based in East Northport, N.Y., that helps homeless veterans.

Visitors pay only the Vanderbilt’s general admission cost: adults $10; seniors (age 62 and up) $9; students (with ID) $9; children 12 and under $7; Members, active military, and children under 2 are FREE.

For additional information about the show visit the Jaguar Drivers Club of Long Island website at www.jdcli.com.

Local Greek association launches car show fundraiser

by Raymond Janis - June 10, 2022

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This past weekend, the Port Jefferson-based Chapter 319 of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, also known as AHEPA, held its inaugural car show fundraiser in the parking lot of the Greek Orthodox Church of Assumption on Saturday, June 4.

George Kallas, vice president of Chapter 319, discussed the history of the organization. “Back in the 1920s, the Ku Klux Klan was persecuting Greeks in [the state of] Georgia,” he said. “They were intimidating the citizens not to go to the Greek diners and they were burning crosses on Greek lawns. A couple of Greeks got together, they went to Washington, D.C., they petitioned the president, they formed AHEPA, they were authorized to carry arms, they went back to Georgia and they pushed back against the Ku Klux Klan.” He added, “The whole idea was to help the Greeks assimilate into American culture and become American citizens.”

Michael Iasilli, a Greek Orthodox resident of Brookhaven whose father helped put this event together, spoke of the important contributions the chapter has made in bringing the community together and raising funds for people in need.

“AHEPA is a believer in Hellenism, and there are a lot of social justice aspects that are a part of their mission,” he said.

Since its inception, AHEPA has stood for volunteering, community engagement, furthering education and philanthropy. In the Port Jefferson community, AHEPA hosts several regular events, including a fishing trip, New Year’s dinners at Pax Christi Hospitality Center and now a car show.

“The proceeds from this event will go to the church and will go to Ukraine,” Kallas said. Describing the car show, he added, “This is the first time we’re doing it. We want to do it on a regular basis, but we’re just feeling it out right now. It seems to be a success so far.”

— Photos by Raymond Janis

Long Island Cars’ final car show of the season heads to Farmingville Nov. 7

by Press Release - November 3, 2021

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0-3 — Everything from custom cars like this 1970 Chevy Camaro Z28 to classic muscle cars and collectible exotics will compete in this judged event. Photo by Phyllis Aquino / Long Island Cars

“Long Island Cars” will present the “Best Cars on Long Island” Car Show & Swap Meet at the Bald Hill Cultural Center in Farmingville on Sunday, Nov. 7 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. , the final show of the season. Hundreds of classic and collectible automobiles including street rods, muscle cars, antiques, exotics and imports will be on display at this competitively judged event with over fifty classes ranging from stock to chopped and modified vehicles.

Also included in this final show of the season is “Long Island’s Largest Swap Meet” where vendors will be selling all kinds accessories necessary for the auto enthusiast which is always a gold mine for unusual and hard to find car parts. If you’re looking to buy a car, whether it’s your dream machine or a wreck to begin restoring, you’ll want to check out the “Car Corral” where cars will be offered for sale by their owners. There will be live music by “The Fugitives” plus food and refreshments. Rain date is Nov. 14.

Bald Hill Cultural Center is located at 1 Ski Run Lane in Farmingville, 11738. L.I.E. 63 North, take County Rd 83 North 1 mile and exit right, follow signs to amphitheater parking lot. Admission to the event is $10.00; under 12 years are free; free parking. Follow CDC mask and social distance guidance for entry. Show or sell your collectible car with admission. Judged cars and vendors register at the gate between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. For more information, call 631-567-5898 or visit www.LongIslandCars.com.

Knights host 3rd annual charity car show

by Rita J. Egan - October 8, 2021

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Saturday, Oct. 2, was a beautiful day for driving and admiring classic cars.

The Mother Teresa Council of the Knights of Columbus hosted its 3rd annual charity car show at the St. James R.C. Church in Setauket. Among the 50 vehicles on display were vintage American and foreign cars and trucks, along with some muscle cars.

Attendees were able to take part in an auction, enjoy some grilled food and vote on their favorite cars. Three trophies were given out by the end of the day.

First prize went to Mike Basile for his 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback; second prize went to Ralph and Ruth Passantino for their 1958 Chevrolet Impala convertible; and the third place people’s choice winner, above, was Richie Marotto’s 1955 Ford Crown Victoria.

Car enthusiasts welcome back fundraiser in Commack

by Rita J. Egan - April 19, 2021

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The pandemic may have caused it to be canceled last year, but the annual Cars and Guitars Classic Car Show and Fundraiser came back stronger than ever Sunday, April 18, in the Miller’s Ale House parking lot in Commack.

Throughout the late morning and early afternoon, hundreds viewed the classic cars on display. Hosted by East to West Classic Cars, the event raises money for the national nonprofit Hope For The Warriors, which provides assistance to combat wounded service members, their families, and families of those killed in action. East to West Classic Cars president Dean Nichol said the club has had a relationship with the nonprofit for 10 years, and 91 cents on every dollar donated goes to the cause. Nichol said this year the event was so popular that they ran out of room after 700 car owners showed up to display their vehicles. He added that 30% more than 2019 was raised for the cause.

The event also included entertainment by the band RPM and Friends.

According to a press release from the car organization, Robin Kelleher, president and founder of Hope for the Warriors, was in attendance April 18.

“I left with tears in my eyes as I drove away, after such a tough year in 2020 finally some normalcy,” Kelleher said.

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