The Fairfield Citizen
July 11, 2009
Photo: Contributed Photo / Meg Barone, Contributed Photo / Fairfield Citizen
The crowd at the monthly summertime "Promenade Performs" event in Fairfield on Saturday evening was entertained by a classic car show, a hula-hoop contest, 1950s music and an unexpected element that made a brief appearance: a vivid double rainbow.
The colorful contribution from Mother Nature stopped many people in their tracks, temporarily interrupting the crowd's fascination with the vintage cars at the Brick Walk complex downtown. They cast their gaze skyward as the brilliant rainbow lingered for about 10 minutes.
"We are lucky to see these beautiful cars and at the same time this beautiful rainbow, and it's a double one," said Christina Staltaro of Fairfield.
"It's special," another woman said.
As the rainbow faded away, people turned their attention back to the earth-bound attractions, including gleaming vintage autos, as well as browsing through the Brick Walk shop that stayed open late for the occasion and listening to the music of the Royal Kings, which performed classic 1950s tunes like "The Great Pretender" and "Twisting the Night Away."
Some relaxed and just enjoyed the music, many bringing their own lawn chairs. But others couldn't help but dance, like 3-year-old Devin Julius of Fairfield.
Devin's dance moves caught the attention of band manager and singer Richard "Cookie" Thomas of Stamford, who brought Devin front and center to perform. He also singled out Henry Anderson, 7, of Fairfield, who also grooved to the music.
Henry, and his 4-year-old brother Charlie, also enjoyed the cars, including the chance to climb inside a 1930 Ford Model A owned by Fairfielder Bob Rescsanski. He took photos of everyone who managed to climb into his low-sitting car and gave them a pin that read, "Yes, I have sat in Bob's car."
"This is an old hot rod," said Rescsanski, adding that all of his photos will be posted on the website, www.CTseaportcarclub.com. The Connecticut Seaport Car Club, a group of vintage car owners and enthusiasts, is based in Southport.
One youngster said Rescsanski's car reminded him of the villain's car in the Disney movie, "101 Dalmatians."
The cars were a big draw, perhaps even doubling the anticipated crowd of 300. Those who attended were able to vote for the People's Choice Awards, which went to the top 10 favorites among the nearly 30 classic cars at the event.
Rich Iannucci's 1956 four-door hardtop Oldsmobile Holiday was the top vote-getter and winner of a Best in Show trophy.
"This car is fabulous. The color combination is like an ice cream sundae for the eyes," said Bob Sbriglio of Stratford, who organizers the monthly Ryder's Landing Cruise Nights in that town.
Iannucci, also of Stratford, said he and his son Joe restored the Oldsmobile over a two-year period, painting it in the original GM colors of Alcan White and Canyon Green. In his open trunk he displayed the original owner's manual of the vehicle, plus the color chart and cards depicting all the new models from 1956.
Joe Palaia of Fairfield said it was tough to vote for a favorite "because you've got a lot of good cars here."
In the end he let nostalgia pick his winner. "I voted the (1967 Chevy) Camaro number one because it brought back a lot of memories of my youth," he said.
Vincent Camporeale of Yonkers, N.Y., said he heard about the event and drove up in his 1982 Corvette. But it was a much earlier vintage that won his heart. He admired the 1915 Dodge five-passenger touring car owned by Gwen and Parker Ackley of Fairfield. "You don't see too many Dodges of this era in shows. This is a treat for me," Camporeale said.
Although the Ackleys' car dates back to the early-20th century, they paid tribute to the musical theme of Saturday's event. Gwen wore an authentic 1950s dress of her mother's and Parker wore an original 1950s shirt, he rolled up the cuffs of his jeans and wore white socks. In his rolled up shirt sleeve he kept his cell phone rather than the pack of cigarettes typical of the '50s-era hipster.
Janice Valiante of Norwalk came with her husband Michael specifically for the music, but they enjoyed the entire concept. "It's excellent. It feels so homey and comfortable. It's a small-town feel," she said.
Stores at the Brick Walk remained open throughout the three-hour event. "We stay open on any of the nights they have the free concerts. It brings everyone downtown. It brings it alive and it elongates the downtown," said Kathy Lee, owner of Vintage Garden.
Organizer Diane Byrne, manager of Magnolia in the Brick Walk, said the "Promenade Performs" events are putting the shopping district on the map.
The summertime monthly events continue next month with a celebration of their one-year anniversary on Aug. 14. The theme will be Jazz and Gelato. On Sept. 11, the classic cars will return.
Following are the other winners from Saturday's vintage vehicle competition:
1958 Edsel, owned by Mark Milosky; 1956 Chevy 150, Bill and Diana Buttery;
1950 Chevy pickup, Rick Petrizzi; 1967 Chevy Camaro, Tony DiNuzzo; 1915
Dodge S Passenger Touring. Gwen and Parker Ackley; 1954 Chevy Bel Air,
Brett Wingate; 1955 Chevy 150/210, Craig Vaporis; 1962 Chevy Impala,
Gary Melfi, and 1966 Ford Mustang, Karen Milosky.
