By Liz Leamy
Last Saturday, the annual Greenwich Police Department car show, held in the expansive parking lot of Greenwich Town Hall, was a roaring success on all fronts, drawing scores of spectators from in and around Greenwich and the Fairfield and Westchester County areas there to enjoy the extensive display of 65-plus classic and contemporary cars that were featured.
This popular event, which is free of charge and has been held for several decades running, was a runaway hit on all fronts, as it represented a forum for the Greenwich Police Department to help raise money for its Scholarship Fund designed to provide financial assistance for graduating Greenwich High School students in regard to their college expenses.
“This is a great event,” said Pat Mediate Jr., a Greenwich resident whose 2014 electric blue Corvette Stingray with red interior was a big draw for the crowd, especially considering it is the only Corvette of its kind with this color combination said to be in existence. “I was fortunate enough to have been a recipient of the Greenwich Police Department Scholarship Fund when I graduated from Greenwich High School, so it means a lot for me to be here. I’m so grateful to be here and it’s cool how everything comes full circle around.”
His father, Pat Mediate, a longtime Greenwich High School football coach who serves as the team’s weightlifting specialist, was also happy to be involved with this event.
“We always have a terrific time here,” said Mediate, a longtime Greenwich resident. “It’s a nice crowd of people here. You’re with your family, friends and so many others just hanging enjoying the day and all the different styles of cars.” (Like his son, Mediate had a beautiful Corvette on display. However, his was dark green and built in the 1990s.)
Throughout this event, the Town Hall parking lot was teeming with a diverse crowd who seemed to be of all different ages, backgrounds and genres.
This contingent included the car owners, most of who were from the area and paid a nominal fee to participate in this event; some current and also retired members of the Greenwich Police Department; a handful of Greenwich town employees and committee members, young children and their parents and others interested in checking out the incredible collection of automobiles on display.
“It has been a wonderful turnout of people here today,” said Retired Greenwich Police Department Lieutenant Jim Pucci, whose 1960 red Chevrolet Impala was also big hit with attendees and who was there as part of the esteemed Cos Cob Cruisers group, the contingent who, in tandem with the Greenwich Police Department, helps make this event happen every year. “It’s been a fantastic day. Everyone seems to be enjoying the cars and just having a good time. There are also a lot of familiar faces here and it’s been nice to see everyone out and about.”
Pucci, a lifelong Greenwich resident who recently moved to Stamford, said the Greenwich Police Department car show provides an excellent way to help bring the community together.
“The cars are beautiful and everyone here seems to enjoy learning about them as well,” said Pucci. “I think a lot of people are here because they really enjoy cars.”
Some of the automobiles on display included a classic Greenwich Police patrol car and New York State Trooper vehicle.
There were also other stunning vintage American automobiles that included Corvettes, Chevys and Mustangs, and many other noteworthy classic automobiles.
This showcase also featured an area where attendees could enter a raffle and pick up a judging form to vote for their favorite cars.
In addition, there were tables featuring Greenwich Police Department tee shirts as well as snacks and beverages that were for sale, among other fun things.
Another highlight was when there were two or three young children, most likely the daughters and sons of those involved with the event, who passed out stickers from Freccia Brothers, the used car dealership on West Putnam Avenue in town, to people that said ‘Made you smile, pass it on,’ a message that somehow seemed to capture the mood of the whole experience there.
“This event has been fantastic. It brings everyone together and there is something for everybody,” said Michael Mason, longtime Greenwich resident and former Chair of the Board of Estimate and Taxation member whose classic car was featured in this showcase. “This event really captures the magic of Greenwich.”
