By Liz Leamy
Last Sunday was a day for the books as several hundred individuals showed up at Greenwich Town Hall for the Byram Volunteer Fire Department’s first annual Car Show with its stunning showcase of antique fire trucks and cars, an event that marked another golden moment for the community on all fronts.
This commencement event was conducted by the Byram Volunteer Fire Department as a means to help provide support for its services and was a true gem experience in all respects.
It featured a remarkable showcase of vintage automobiles that included a 1928 Ford Model AA Truck, 1932 Ford Coupe, 1966 black Mustang and other classic cars that vividly seemed to capture so much of the spirit of the American culture and way of life over the years, among other significant things.
“This has been a fabulous event. It’s all about supporting and being part of the community and you can see that here,” said Sam Romeo, a longtime Greenwich resident who is Chairman of Greenwich Communities, the local Housing Authority. “There’s been a very big turnout today and with it being the first year, this event is only going to keep getting bigger in the years to come.”
In addition to its museum-like showcase of classic vehicles, this event also featured Adopt-a-Dog, Inc., the renowned Armonk, New York-based pet adoption service that had a tent area set up where visitors could interact and spend time with more than half a dozen friendly furry friends who are up for adoption, making the day all the more special.
“It’s been a great day and we’re very happy to be part of this event and the community,” said Brian Gordiski, Director of Operations at Adopt-a-Dog, based at 23 Cox Avenue in Armonk. “We’re thrilled because this event has given us the opportunity to show our dogs for adoption, all of who have had a wonderful reception from everyone.”
In addition to the presence of Adopt-A-Dog and the extensive parade of vintage cars, this event also had several tables where visitors could purchase Byram Volunteer Fire Department tee shirts, make a donation to the organization and/or participate in its 50/50 Raffle, among other things.
“We wanted to get the community to know more about the Byram Volunteer Fire Department and for people to have the opportunity to help with its fundraising,” said Joanne Arnone, a member of the Byram Volunteer Fire Department for more than 15 years who helped coordinate and manage this event in tandem with several other dedicated volunteers from the group. “It’s amazing to see all the people who’ve come out. We’re having such a good time and there’s been so much support from everyone.”
Others there shared the same sentiments.
“This is an event where people have come together to help support our volunteers, all of who give so much to the community,” said Romeo, who is also a longtime member of the Cos Cob Cruisers, the renowned social group in town who had generously brought many of their antique vehicles to the show that day. “This event is what makes Greenwich great.”
Romeo’s words certainly seemed to capture the golden mood of this event.
Throughout the morning and afternoon, people could be seen chatting and laughing with one another as they walked around viewing and taking pictures of the antique cars, spent time with the furry friends and volunteers and workers of Adopt-a-Dog, bought some ‘swag,’ participated in the raffle and ate ice cream and hot dogs provided by the food vendor trucks that were there.
All in all, this was a memorable event on all counts as it drew people together for an important cause in such heartfelt fashion, designating it as a veritable golden kickoff for the Greenwich fall season.
“I think this has been a really nice event. People are sharing their cars with everyone and to share something like that, especially with all the kids being here, is wonderful,” said Pam Francefort of Greenwich, whose husband Steve, was there with his 1928 Model AA Truck, another big draw for visitors at this show. “This event has brought people together with the idea of sharing and working together and it’s also a way of bringing the past into the present.”
With those profound words, let the autumn season continue to unfold in this dynamic golden style for the whole community as well as its many neighbors.
