Rainy start doesn’t dampen spirits for classic motor night
Though clouds and intermittent downpours kept a large showing of cars away at Mineola’s inaugural Classic Motor Night, spirits were still high for the new weekly initiative which seeks to draw new patrons and residents into downtown businesses and restaurants.
“The weather didn’t cooperate but I think it’ll be okay once the sun’s out,” said Ben Volino, the organizer of the event. Volino, a lifelong Mineola resident and self-proclaimed “car guy,” said that after seeing the effect car shows in places like Oyster Bay had on downtown business, he approached Mineola Mayor Scott Strauss about doing something similar.
“They do this show in Oyster Bay on Tuesday nights and the businesses are packed. You can’t even get into the restaurants,” Volino said. “Cars bring people and people gotta eat.
It’s very quiet in [Mineola] during the week and this will bring people from surrounding areas. It’s good for the town.”
With all-day forecasts of rain, many car owners kept their vehicles at home during the inaugural event on July 7, but about a dozen, including two from the fire department, braved the weather to show off their hot rides. Among them was Rich Hallberg, who had his dark red 1959 Volkswagen Beetle on display.
“I wanted to support the show,” said Hallberg who often goes to other car shows on the Island. “You meet a lot of cool people, see a lot of cool cars, it’s always something new.”
Mineola resident Olivia Swensen said the car show was a great family event, which she was able to enjoy with her son, Andrew, and husband, Mark.
“We love to come out and support the town and things they do,” Swensen said. “It’s nice for us to get out in the summertime, and events like this are a great way to meet our neighbors and bring us together as a community.”
By the end of the summer, Volino said he is hoping the show brings in more cars, and people, to the downtown area.
“I’m hoping it’s a big success with lots of cars, that makes businesses very happy,” Volino said.
The car show, which is sponsored by the Village of Mineola and Chamber of Commerce, will take place downtown on Thursday nights through the end of September. The show is free for spectators and $5 for those interested in showing their vehicles. For more information, call Chamber president Tony Lubrano at 516-316-9271 or email tonyl.
chamber@gmail.com.
