NORTH HAVEN — It felt like a scene from the movie “American Graffiti” as vintage cars of all makes and models filled the parking lot of the high school for the 15th annual North Haven Police Labor Day weekend car show.
"I think this is absolutely wonderful, and we had a great turnout," said Robin Gideon of DooWop Cruisers, a local car club and co-sponsor of Sunday’s event. About 215 cars in total were on display for the show, the sixth year the annual car show has been held at the high school.
Food was available for purchase from JRoos Restaurant and Joe's Ice Cream.
For some people like Kevin Troski of Wallingford, it was another day and car show to present his 1970 Chevy Nova. Troski has owned the car since 1989.
"It was a good turnout," Troski said. "We do a couple of local car shows with the Nova."
The parking lot featured several rows of classic automobiles and trucks of various makes and models. Several Chevy Impalas could be found in some rows, and in another row, several Ford Mustangs from the 1960s to 2019 could be seen.
The Governor's Foot Guard presented colors at noon as the National Anthem was played over the loudspeakers.
First Selectman Michael Freda could be seen with state Sen. Paul Cicarella, R-North Haven, and state Rep. David Yaccarino, R-North Haven, as they showed their support for not just the town but the police department as well.
"We had a wonderful turnout of the cars," Freda said. "This is an event that the people really look forward to, especially the vintage car owners. They are a wonderful group of close people, and they go to these different communities, North Haven included, and put on these events."
Freda said that these events bring back memories for the older people and show the younger people what the cars looked like back then.
"I support this event, I support the Police Officers, and I say it all the time," Freda said. "You've got our backs on the streets, and we've got your back in the Town Hall."
Car enthusiast Glenn Swanson said he was driving one day and saw a 2000 lime green Volkswagen Beetle he just had to have.
"I knew it had to be mine," Swanson said, "So I went back and bought it."
Swanson's car is, to no surprise, a salute to the German carmaker with German flags just above the license plate. Inside the vehicle were many green features, from the steering wheel to a coffee cup and even a corded telephone handle. In the trunk of his car, a German TY Beanie Baby, a miniature Volkswagen Beetle, and other green objects were proudly displayed.
Proceeds of the car show went to the Governor's Foot Guard, North Haven PBA, and DooWop Cruisers.
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