CALLICOON CENTER, NY — On Sunday, August 4, Callicoon presented its Sixth Annual Car Show on the grounds of the town’s Veteran’s Memorial.

The event showcased 88 registered cars that were eligible for trophies, although numerous other rides showed up in support of the show, which was held as a fundraiser for kids’ playground equipment at the memorial.

“It was a team effort,” said town supervisor Tom Bose, one of the major players in creating the Veteran’s Memorial, which broke ground in 2016 and was formally dedicated this past Saturday afternoon, August 10.
As the drivers entered the grounds of the volunteer-built memorial, they passed by the memorial’s centerpiece, which was engraved with patriotic sentiments to the nation’s veterans: “May their efforts be forever held in highest esteem, this memorial will serve to express a perpetual debt of gratitude which we extend to our veterans for their unquestionable courage and sacrifice while serving our country with honor and dignity….”

James Richardson a Purple Heart recipient from the Vietnam War was on hand with one of the more distinctive rides, a Polaris Slingshot, an open-air three-wheeled roadster, federally classified as a motorcycle but recognized by most states as an autocycle.

Richardson served in the Army’s 199th Light Infantry Brigade and saw action in various battles including Long Binh and the Delta during his tour in-country during 1968-69.

Clouds were reflected in the high-gloss glaze of the green paint on the hood of Steve and Wendy Grossman’s 1968 Volvo P1800S, a car made famous in the TV series “The Saint,” in which Roger Moore portrayed Simon Templar, aka the saint. Just for the record, the “Saint’s” ride was a white P1800.

The Grossman’s car is a true survivor, as Wendy recalled, “I loved driving it while I was dating my husband in the ‘70s,” adding that it was brought back to the states by her brother-in-law after serving in Germany.

“He let it completely rot out… it was a 13-year restoration process. I love showing it off,” she said.

Nine-year-old Taylor Kehrley of Youngsville was “at the wheel” of her grandparents’ Lotus Elise, and will be entering fifth grade at Sullivan West next month.As DJ Dennis Schaefer entertained the crowd with nostalgic cuts, ranging from doo-wop to good ‘ole rock and roll classics, Bob and Gloria Smith of Livingston Manor proudly sang the praises of their faithfully restored 1956 Chevrolet Belair and a 1934 Ford two-door street rod running a 350 Chevy motor hooked up to a four-speed tranny.

Bob Smith recounted driving a ’56 Belair while they were dating, and it must have worked a bit of motor magic, as the couple just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 12, and they got the ‘34 finally finished in time for their daughter’s wedding. The ’34 Ford is famous for its “suicide” doors. Contrary to most cars, the doors open toward traffic rather than in the opposite direction.

The Town of Callicoon traditionally presents their annual car show in Callicoon Center on the first Sunday of August.

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