PONTIAC CELEBRATION- 2014 - New England Fiero Association

After a two year break for show-goers, and less than a one year break for Celebration organizers, once
again, as in 2010 and 2012, Pontiacs from throughout the Northeast U.S gathered at the Warwick, Rhode
Island Crowne Plaza Host Hotel for “A Pontiac Celebration– 2014,” proving that although our favorite car
is gone, our love and enthusiasm for them is not.
But even more than a celebration of our favorite car, hobbyists again showed their generosity as they gave
their time, energy, and money to support our two children’s cancer charities– Alex’s Lemonade Stand foundation for childhood cancer and The Tomorrow Fund helping children and families affected by cancer. As
much as all the beautiful Pontiacs took center stage, these
children’s charities the main reason for the event. . .
“Pontiacs with a Purpose!” From the 2010 and 2012
shows, we have donated nearly $16,000 to Alex’s Lemonade Stand and The Tomorrow Fund– and we are happy to
announce that for this 2014 event we did even better!
Beautiful Pontiacs were rolling (and rumbling) in as early as Thursday afternoon, with many more arriving on Friday to participate in
our “Teddy Bear Cruise.” Here, all cars of the surrounding area
are invited to a parking lot party with music, food, refreshment,
and plenty of great cars– nearly 150 strong for a beautiful Fall
evening. It is a wonderful opportunity for all car lovers to show
their support for our charity cause with donations and children’s gifts,
and a great way to spend a gorgeous Fall evening. The mixture of cars made for a very interesting evening.
Friday was also the first day of show registration, which keep the inside crew hopping. Preregistered participants were able to breeze right through, but many more also came in to join the event who were not yet
registered. They were also taken care of quickly, and we had show T-shirts available for them to buy on the
spot. Unfortunately, without preregistrating, the availability of breakfast and awards banquet tickets was extremely limited because of the preplanning required. That is one more good reason to preregister for our
event’s “Performance Package,”
What would a
besides the savings in doing so.
“Pontiac CelebraWe’ll hope to see you at the
tion”
be without the
“preregistered” table for 2016!
older Pontiacs? This
Saturday’s show day was full of original 1933 coupe
every type of Pontiac you could
was a treat to see.
wish, with numbers climbing to
Pontiac lovers drive their cars, as a big
number of beautiful 1950s through
‘60s models proved.
220 by the end of registration. We thank all the
many Pontiac Clubs from throughout the area for
spreading the word about the Celebration, and
coming out to show their support. Pontiac People
are Great! We also thank the show staff of volunteers who work so hard to get everybody quickly
and neatly moved into place so that final cleaning
and then voting can begin.
The Saturday show day was heaven sent with
warm temperatures and bright blue skies. After all
the planning, that is the one variable that is the
least controllable. But someone certainly smiled
down on our show for a wonderful Fall gathering.
The raffle tents were buzzing with activity as
people placed their tickets on items they believed
they had to have. Many items from automotive to
household made for some spirited raffling. Our super duper DJ, “Cruisin’ Bruce Palmer,” also
handled the auction of some selected “big ticket”
items between entertaining everyone with his music and announcements. Between the blue skies,
the gleaming Pontiacs, the smiling faces, and the
music filling the air, we could not have asked for a
better day.
There was an extra amount of the beautiful 1961 and
1962 Pontiacs to enjoy. And a large turnout of later
full-size cars too (below).
Raffle tent “business” was brisk. Our “Thanks”
to all those who donated items to help raise
money for our charities.
Voting for one’s favorite Pontiacs was probably
the only hard part of the entire day. How does one Speaking of large Pontiacs, there was a Grand Prix for
every liking, even the later not-so-large ones.
choose from so many great cars?! But they did,
and when ballots were delivered, a crack staff of number crunchers had their work cut out for them. Voting
was spirited, and some choices were very close, making for counting and recounting. In the end, the results
were tallied and the people had made their selections.
While the voting was going on, there were a number of seminars offered. We apologize that the hotel
dropped the ball on the signage, but eventually everyone found the seminars they wanted to attend.
GTO showing was very strong. The early years of 1964
through 1969 had the largest numbers between both
stock and modified.
If Firebirds and Trans Ams put a smile on your face,
then you were probably grinning ear-to-ear over the
magnificent selection of Pontiac Birds on display.
By the end of the day, it was fun and relaxation time for the participants. The evening brought over 150
people together to visit and enjoy a tasty BBQ dinner followed by awards. Our Rhode Island event partner, Rick DiGiacomo, welcomed the group and thanked everyone for all their support and contributions.
Then Cruisin’ Bruce Palmer emceed the awards presentation, moving everything along at a good clip.
Long tables of beautiful trophies glistened while waiting for anxious competitors to claim them for their
own–and many fine Pontiacs earned rewards for their hard working owners– congratulations to all. Top
honors for capturing the Peoples’ Choice, as well as the
Celebration Committee Choice, awards was Jeff Goldstein
with a fantastic 1961 Ventura.
Following the awards, a “Pontiac Celebration” exclusive
fun raffle was held. That was for the State Baskets Raffle.
And what a bunch of states there were! A table full of baskets representing many states were raffled to happy recipients. This is all for fun, and nobody has to buy any tickets.
It is our way of offering a special “Thank You” to everyone for their support. We would be remiss, however, if we
did not give a big “Thank You” to those who
brought a basket for this. It is a perfect example of
the generosity of everyone who participates.
At the banquet dinner we also drew the winning
ticket for the “Fall Foliage Vacation Package.” It
was for a full five-day stay in a beautiful New
Hampshire condo in the mountains. It was in October when the leaves and Fall colors would be at
their peak. We were pleased that a couple who had
rushed in after we had shut down and packed up
the registration area asking to please buy some
What Fieros may lack in overall size, they make up
tickets– WON!! That couldn’t have worked better
for in numbers– and their owners’ heart. The Fiero
for the lucky winners.
community of New England has given all of our
Pontiac Celebrations terrific support and assistance!
But, all good things must come to an end as the
awards and raffles finished– or did they
end? Many were found still visiting and
enjoying the lounge after a long day.
Many also retired as travels home were
long for some. Still, the Sunday Farewell Breakfast was well attended as
many said their good-byes– at least until 2016 when a new Pontiac Celebration welcomes everyone back again to
historic Warwick for “Pontiacs with a
Purpose.”
For more information and news about
this Pontiac Celebration, and “A Pontiac
Celebration– 2016,” be sure to watch
on our web site. And “Thanks” again
for everyone’s support.
1967 Firebird to later Ram Air Trans
Am demonstrated that there is really
no limit on what you can do to personalize your Bird.
Wagons are HOT! Especially Pontiac ones. This expanse of longroofs featured everything from this beautiful 1957 Safari to a
1965 421 Bonneville– and most everything else in between.
From a cool 1937 Pontiac Coupe Street Rod to a fully tweaked
G8 GT, it proved that many Pontiac lovers think they can make
a great car even better– no arguments here! There were many
high quality customs and modifieds on the field to enjoy.
Proving that you
don’t have to spend
a fortune to have a
ball enjoying the
collector car
hobby, was this
rather original
looking 1956
Pontiac “Surf”
Wagon. Owner Dana LeMay is sporting all the
beach goodies as if he wasn’t 3000 miles from the
California surf. We selected this wagon as our
PontiacRegistry.com Show Choice based strictly on
the fun value it exudes.
THANKS TO OUR GREAT “PONTIAC CELEBRATION– 2014” SPONSORS!
A Pontiac Celebration
2014 SHOW WINNERS
A) 1909–48 Pontiac & Oakland
1st: John Bace– 1941 Pontiac Streamliner Sedan
R/U: Wheeler Bradley III– 1933 Pontiac Coupe
R/U: George Schneider– 1948 Pontiac Sedan
B) 1949–60 Pontiac– All
1st: Steve Peluso– 1960 Bonneville Convertible
R/U: James Erviti– 1956 Chieftain
R/U: Joe Cuttler– 1950 Chieftain
C) Wagons– All
1st: Wheeler Bradley– 1957 Safari
R/U: Joe Mandarano– 1960 Catalina
R/U: Wilf Kaszanits– 1965 Bonneville
D1)1961–64 Full-Size
1st: Jeff Goldstein– 1961 Ventura
R/U: Steve Payne– 1964 Catalina
R/U: Patrick Colabella– 1962 Catalina
D2)1965–70 Full-Size
1st: Jack White– 1967 Pontiac 2+2
R/U: Dan Fiore – 1969 Catalina
R/U: John Pagliarini– 1965 Catalina
D3)1971–2010 Full-Size
1st: Dan Zuba– 1973 Grandville Convertible
R/U: Vic Madden – 2009 G8 GXP
R/U: Bob Ricci– 1974 Catalina
R/U: Tom & Cathy Dubois– 1974 Parisienne
E1) 1962–72 Grand Prix
1st: Mark Baravella– 1964 Grand Prix
R/U: David Cataloni – 1964 Grand Prix
R/U: Bob Ricci– 1964 Grand Prix
E2) 1973–2010 Grand Prix
1st: Ed Ferrelli– 1986 Grand Prix 2+2
R/U: Ed Collette – 1997 Grand Prix GT
R/U: Eric Beveridge– 1987 Grand Prix
F1) 1961–67 Mid-Size/Compact
1st: Greg Clark– 1962 Tempest
R/U: Jim Martino – 1967 Tempest
R/U: Dick Sevigny– 1967 Tempest
F2) 1968–2010 Mid-Size/Compact
1st: Gary Heickler– 1977 Can Am
R/U: Bob Dail – 1972 Luxury LeMans
R/U: Chris Sousa– 1972 Lemans Sport
G1)1964–65 GTO
1st: Tim Weener– 1964 GTO
R/U: Don Parlee – 1964 GTO
R/U: Steve Freitas– 1965 GTO
G2)1966–67 GTO
1st: Bruce Muldoon– 1966 GTO
R/U: Perry Kaiser – 1967 GTO
R/U: Paul Bourbeau– 1967 GTO
G3)1968–69 GTO
1st: Manny Sousa– 1969 GTO Judge
R/U: Greg Szachta – 1968 GTO Convertible
R/U: Bob Corazzini– 1968 GTO
G4)1970–74 GTO
1st: Bob Coffey– 1970 GTO
R/U: Robert Patnosn – 1972 GTO
R/U: Ken Toth– 1970 GTO Convertible
G5)2004–06 GTO
1st: Tracy Bergantini– 2004 GTO
H1)1967–69 Firebird
1st: Paul Zito– 1969 Firebird
R/U: Jim Dodson– 1967 Firebird
R/U: Richard Roberts – 1968 Firebird
R/U: David Brady– 1969 Firebird
H2)1970–81 Firebird
1st: Gary Trombino– 1970 Firebird
R/U: Peter Slota– 1973 Firebird
R/U: Wolf Feist – 1974 Firebird
J1) 1969–73 Trans Am
1st: Rick Holloway– 1971 Trans Am
R/U: John Breneman – 1970 Trans Am
J2) 1974–78 Trans Am
1st: Derek Fletcher– 1974 Trans Am
R/U: John Kunasek – 1978 Trans Am
R/U: Richard Beer– 1978 Trans Am
J3) 1979–81 Trans Am
1st: Tony Yannone– 1981 Trans Am
R/U: Joe Cutler– 1979 Trans Am
R/U: Jay Carrara– 1979 Trans Am
K) 1982–2002 FB/TA/Firehawk/GTA
1st: Carlos Martins – 1989 Trans Am
R/U: Robert Murphy – 2001 Trans Am
R/U: Kevin Demott– 2002 Firehawk
L) Fiero– All
1st: Alan Ferris– 1985 Fiero
R/U: John Ianni – 1986 Fiero
R/U: Andrew Virzi– 1984 Fiero
MODIFIED CLASSES:
M1) Fiero– All
1st: Tom Corey– 1987 Fiero
R/U: Mark Tessier – 1988 Fiero GT
R/U: Bill Dorosz– 1987 Fiero
R/U: Allen Ferris– 1985 Fiero
R/U: Suzanne Titus– 1986 Fiero GT
M2) 1926–63– All (except GTO/FB/Fiero)
1st: Dave Czobak– 1937 Pontiac Coupe
M3) 1963–2010– All (except GTO/FB/Fiero)
1st: Jon & Amanda Pimental– 2009 G8 GT
R/U: Keith & Deb Lechner – 1971 Tempest
R/U: Roland Forcier– 1965 LeMans
M4) 1964–67 GTO
1st: Steve Fenimore– 1965 GTO
R/U: George Hallock – 1967 GTO
R/U: Richard Sorcinelli– 1967 GTO
M5) 1968–74 GTO
1st: Louis Adreani– 1969 GTO
R/U: Kevin Martin – 1970 GTO
R/U: Ken Duarte– 1969 GTO
M6) 2004–06 GTO
1st: Kurt Bergantini– 2004 GTO
M7) 1967–78 Firebird/Trans Am
1st: Michael Babineau– 1967 Firebird
R/U: Michael Leggio – 1978 Trans Am
R/U: Ronald Germain– 1967 Firebird
M8) 1979–2002 Firebird/Trans Am
1st: Harry DeBernardo– 1979 Trans Am
R/U: Kenny DeLisi – 1988 Firebird Formula
R/U: Jim Oliver– 1979 Trans Am
PontiacRegistry.com Choice– Dana LeMay: 1956
“Surf” Wagon
Fiero– Tom Carey: 1987 Modified Fiero
Charlie Lebevre Memorial– Jim Meissner: 1966 GTO
Club Participation– Yankee Chapter, POCI
SPECIALITY AWARDS:
People’s Choice– Jeff Goldstein: 1961 Ventura
Celebration Committee Choice– Jeff Goldstein: 1961 Ventura
Special Interest– Wheeler Bradley III: 1933 Pontiac Coupe
Survivor– Joe Cutler: 1979 Trans Am (65 original miles)
In Progress– Scott Otis: 1954 Chieftain Coupe
Kid’s Choice– Noel Evans: 1957 Custom Safari Wagon
Pontiac Spirit– Michael & Laurie Liggio: 1979 Trans Am
CLASS TOTALS
G1=9
A=8
L=13
G2=15
B=6
M1=8
G3=11
C=8
M2=1
G4=4
D1=8
M3=7
G5=1
D2=7
M4=3
H1-11
D3=11
M5=5
H2=4
E1=8
M6=1
J1=2
E2=3
M7=8
J3=5
F1=5
M8=10
K=12
F2=14
There were 3 Special Interest and 3
Unfinished.
The Celebration Show Committee’s goal is
to always organize the show classes with the
most equal amount of participants. However,
come show day, it is sometimes difficult not
knowing who (and what car) will show.
Preregistration makes this task a lot easier.
Be assured that these statistics will be used
to even better arrange the 2016 show classes.
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JAN.11
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HAPPY
HALLOWEEN