Cool rides come to Valley Stream

There were classic cars as far as the eye could see on Sept. 13 at the Hendrickson pool parking lot. The Lions Club had 100 entrants in its classic car and truck show –– double the amount from last year.

Lions Club members Jim Zabatta organized this year’s car show and said he was pleased with the turnout. He said lowering the entrance fee to just $10 for car owners helped bring more people in this year. And for the public who just wanted to check out the vintage automobiles, it was free.

Valley Stream resident Bruce Stewart brought his 1968 Oldsmobile 442 to the show. He has owned it since 1981 and has spent much time restoring it to mint condition. “I bought it and redid everything myself,” Stewart said. “I bring it out on nice days — to car shows, to the beach.”

Stewart was helped out by his 18-year-old son, Billy. The two have been going to car shows together since Billy was in a car seat, Stewart said.

He said a lot of people asked questions about how he finds parts for his 41-year-old classic car. “A car like this is similar to a Chevy or a Buick,” Stewart said, “so a lot of the parts are interchangeable.”

Tony DeDonna, of Hewlett, brought his 1973 Pontiac Ventura Sprint, a vehicle has owned for more than 20 years. DeDonna also owns a 1935 Plymouth but said he brought the Pontiac because it fits more people –– he brought his wife and three grandchildren to the show. “They love it,” he said. “We have a good time.”

DeDonna said he loves seeing other people’s vintage vehicles. “There are so many different kinds of cars here, it’s unbelievable,” he said.

Neil Tenen, one of the judges, said the awards were changed up a little bit for this year. The “big” trophy was for Best in Show, chosen by the judges. There were also 14 smaller trophies for “Cool Rides,” such as vehicles with nice paint jobs or a nice interior. There was also an Entrant’s Choice award. “Everybody that has a car here gets to vote on their favorite,” Tenen said.

Money raised from the car show will be used for the Lions Club’s various community outreach activities.