By Kennedy Ryan, Neighb News Correspondent
This weekend 350 cars made their way onto the Livesey Park field for the Car, Truck and Bike show, and Fun Fair. The July 23 event had a successful turnout, with the rain holding off, despite the forecast.
The Family Fun Fair was sponsored by the North Fairhaven Improvement Association and the Legendary Street Rods Car Club.. Vehicles sat in a long line, anticipating the registration of their vehicles into the show. Street Rods staff worked at a quick pace to enter the hundreds of cars coming in.
This little buggy has an expression all its own. Photo by Kennedy Ryan
Vendors sold hats, shirts, and other show-inspired gear. The Lions Club of Fairhaven worked hard selling breakfast and lunch to people throughout the day, with Susan and Gary Fleurent busy cooking sandwiches over the stove in the sizzling heat.
The event also featured performances by Slick 50, playing original rock classics, which got the audience on their feet. John and Marietta were among many of the people enjoying the tunes played by the band.
For the kids, Boy Scouts from Troop 52 took charge of a variety of games. Troop Leader Shari Dant hoped for a good turnout and received positive feedback from families racing over to the game area.
Summer Gomes said she had fun throwing bean bags, playing mini-golf, and enjoying other activities provided with the help of the Scouts.
The car show featured vehicles of all shapes, sizes, and ages, including Fairhaven emergency vehicles. The show even featured a Fairhaven police boat!
Fast Eddie, 101, wears a shirt that says “oldest member” as he stands by his 1925 Franklin at the Family Fun Fair at Livesey Park in Fairhaven on Sunday, 7/23. Photo by Kennedy Ryan.
Fair goers were able to get a close look at the exteriors and interiors of the vehicles. For each car owner, their car held a story.
Chris Noblet arrived in a 1968 white Camaro RS, raving about the significance of his car in his life.
He said the car was the first vehicle he purchased, at the tender age of 15. And he has been working on it ever since.
Steven Torrey showed a 1987 Jeep Cherokee, explaining the detail that has remained unchanged over the years.
“I don’t like the way they’re designed now, so I’m keeping it this way,” he said.
Butch Barrows explained the investment and time that he has put into his 2015 red Corvette Sting Ray.
“There is nothing cheap on a Corvette,” he said, adding that the car is his most prized possession.
“I sleep with it at night,” he joked.
The passion for the vehicles came from all ages.
Mike Thomas, known as “Cobra Mike,” is the owner of a 1995 Cobra Mustang.
He has been working on the vehicle for 16 years, keeping it in top condition. Mr. Thomas said he loves spending hours working on his car, but mostly enjoys the time he spends with his son, Mikey Junior, working on it.
While his son is very young, the elder Mr. Thomas father finds ways for him to help with the process.
“He helps me clean it,” he said.
“Fast Eddie” owned one of the most admired vehicles on display.
His 1925 Franklin has been seen at several shows and used in parades. Eddie, a resident of Westport, is 101 years old.
“I just changed out the engine, but it’s in its original state,” he said.
Click here to download the entire 7/27/17 issue:07-27-17 HoseDown
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