Middlebury's Automotive Extravaganza: Celebrating Vintage Rides and Community Connections

Middlebury, Vermont, transformed into a vibrant hub of automotive enthusiasm and autumnal festivities as the third annual Middlebury Car Show & Fall Festival took over the downtown streets on a recent Sunday. This event, a beloved community tradition, drew in car enthusiasts and families alike, offering a unique blend of nostalgia, camaraderie, and a celebration of the region's rich automotive heritage.

Revving Up Memories and Forging Connections

Vintage Vehicles, Timeless Bonds

For Dennis Benoit, a dedicated volunteer at the event, the cars on display hold a deeper significance than mere metal and wheels. Each vintage vehicle represents a piece of his family's history, a tangible connection to cherished memories. Benoit fondly recalls his father's search for the perfect car, one identical to the one he had driven while courting Benoit's mother. "Back when he was dating my mother, he searched for years to find one in this good of shape that he could drive without a whole bunch of work," Benoit reminisced, his eyes sparkling with a bittersweet nostalgia. The car's discovery came shortly after the passing of Benoit's mother, making it a poignant reminder of the family's legacy and the enduring power of automotive passion.For Benoit, events like the Middlebury Car Show offer a chance to share his family's story and connect with others who can relate to the emotional bond between people and their vehicles. "People can relate to it, especially those who have lost parents or remember their grandparents driving an old car. It brings back memories for many," he said, his voice filled with a deep understanding of the profound impact these cars can have on our lives.

Reminiscing and Reconnecting

As visitors wandered through the rows of gleaming vintage vehicles, personal stories and memories emerged, creating a tapestry of shared experiences. Bruce Many, a local from New Haven, fondly recalled his own automotive journey, "I had a '69 Camaro in high school. When this car came up for sale at Foster Motors in 1976, I knew I had to have it." The car show not only celebrates the vehicles themselves but also fosters a sense of community, allowing attendees to connect over their shared love of automobiles."Everyone just comes up to share their stories and discuss what's been done on their cars," Many said, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. The car show has become a gathering place where enthusiasts can revel in the nostalgia of their past, while also forging new connections with like-minded individuals.

A Community Celebration

The Middlebury Car Show & Fall Festival has evolved into a much-anticipated community event, drawing in residents and visitors alike. From the delicious food offerings to the lively entertainment, the festival has become a beloved tradition that celebrates the region's automotive heritage and the people who cherish it.Laurie and Brad Vincent, local residents, echoed the sentiments of many attendees. "Seeing all the people and all the cars is amazing. This is a very nice show," Vincent said, their faces alight with the joy of being part of this vibrant community gathering.The Middlebury Car Show & Fall Festival has become more than just a display of vintage vehicles; it has become a tapestry of personal stories, shared memories, and a celebration of the enduring bond between people and their automobiles. As the event continues to grow, it serves as a testament to the power of community, the enduring allure of classic cars, and the timeless joy of coming together to revel in the shared passions that make Middlebury a truly special place.

Driving Towards a Brighter Future: Beacon For Hope's Successful Car Show Fundraiser at Flint Hills Technical College

Flint Hills Technical College (FHTC) recently played host to a remarkable car show fundraiser organized by Beacon For Hope, a local non-profit organization. The event, which took place on a Sunday afternoon, was the third in a series of car shows aimed at supporting various community initiatives, including the FHTC food pantry and raising awareness for men's mental health and veteran suicide prevention services.

Empowering the Community, One Car Show at a Time

Revving Up Support for the FHTC Food Pantry

The first annual car show benefiting the FHTC food pantry was a resounding success, nearly filling the college's parking lot with an impressive turnout. FHTC's Dean of Enrollment Management, Brenda Carmichael, explained that the college had reached out to Beacon For Hope and St. Mark's Lutheran Church to organize the event, building upon the success of a similar show that had taken place the previous year, benefiting Emporia State University's food pantry, Corky's Cupboard.Pastor Kent Happel of St. Mark's Lutheran Church emphasized the church's and Beacon For Hope's commitment to always lending a helping hand whenever someone in the community is in need. This collaborative spirit was evident in the planning and execution of the car show, which not only showcased an array of stunning vehicles but also featured exciting HotWheels races and awards for the top cars in various categories.

Hands-On Learning and Community Impact

The car show event proved to be a win-win for FHTC, as the Computerized Machine Tool Engineering program students were tasked with creating the trophies for the awards. This hands-on experience not only allowed the students to showcase their skills but also contributed to the overall success of the event.Brenda Carmichael, the FHTC Dean, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating that the combination of providing assistance to the food pantry and the valuable learning opportunity for the students made the car show a resounding success for the college.

Beacon For Hope's Expanding Reach

Sunday's car show was the third such event organized by Beacon For Hope in as many weeks. The list of events included the first annual "Rage Against the Stigma" event on September 29, aimed at raising awareness for men's mental health, and the second annual "Hope With Horsepower" event on October 5, which benefited veteran suicide prevention services.Brady Kurtenbach, a representative from Beacon For Hope, shared his observations from the recent events, noting that the car shows have had a tremendous impact within the community. He had the opportunity to engage with many individuals and was encouraged by the positive feedback and the sense of hope that these events have fostered.While the final fundraising totals from the FHTC car show are still pending, the event's success is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the impact that such initiatives can have in addressing pressing social and humanitarian issues. Flint Hills Technical College's role as the host site, the involvement of Beacon For Hope and St. Mark's Lutheran Church, and the enthusiastic participation of the community have all contributed to the ongoing efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.