Car Show
Vintage vehicles, devoted owners gather in Clayton

Vintage Ford Enthusiasts Showcase Automotive Gems at 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel

The 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel in Clayton, New York, was transformed into a time capsule as the Early Ford V-8 Club Eastern National Meet took over the venue. Car enthusiasts from across the region converged to admire and celebrate the timeless beauty of Ford and Mercury vehicles from the 1932 to 1954 era.

Preserving Automotive History, One Meticulously Restored Vehicle at a Time

Authenticity Reigns Supreme

The event was a testament to the dedication and passion of vintage car enthusiasts, who strive to preserve the authenticity of these automotive icons. Judges carefully scrutinized each vehicle, rating them on how closely they resembled the original models that rolled off the assembly line decades ago. From the fasteners and bolts to the intricate details, every aspect of the restoration process was meticulously examined to ensure historical accuracy.One participant, Joseph Vetter, proudly displayed his 1933 Ford model, which had been tucked away in a Long Island garage for 30 years. Vetter marveled at the rarity of the vehicle, noting that only around 66,000 were produced during the Great Depression era. The vibrant orange hue of the truck, a color that was once available but is now rarely seen, added to the vehicle's unique charm.

Bringing the Past to Life

Frank Eppley's 1940 Ford coupe was a true testament to the dedication of vintage car enthusiasts. Eppley had owned the car as his daily driver back in the 1960s, but it wasn't until his retirement in 1999 that he decided to embark on a full-scale restoration project. Over the years, he scoured flea markets and sources for original, stock parts, ensuring that his beloved coupe was as authentic as possible.Another captivating story came from Albert Zimmermann, the current owner of a 1934 Ford standard sedan. This car had a unique history, as it was once the grand prize of a radio contest, where the winner had to write a 25-word essay to claim the vehicle. Remarkably, the car's running gear remains largely original, with only a few parts replaced, and it has a mere 35,000 miles on the odometer.

A Celebration of Automotive Craftsmanship

The Early Ford V-8 Club Eastern National Meet was not just a display of vintage vehicles; it was a celebration of the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into preserving these automotive gems. Each car on display had a unique story to tell, a testament to the passion and hard work of its owners.As the event judge, Ted Koudys, remarked, "The quality of restorations is just superb." This sentiment was echoed by the countless visitors who marveled at the pristine condition and attention to detail of the vehicles. From the gleaming chrome to the meticulously maintained interiors, these cars were not merely relics of the past, but living, breathing examples of automotive history.The 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel provided the perfect backdrop for this automotive time capsule, transporting visitors back to a bygone era and allowing them to experience the timeless allure of these vintage Ford and Mercury vehicles. As the event drew to a close, it was clear that the passion for preserving automotive history was alive and well, with enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to showcase their prized possessions.
Inner Banks Home Builders Association hosts “Parade of Homes”

Unlock the Secrets of Homebuilding Excellence: Explore the Parade of Homes

The Parade of Homes is a highly anticipated annual event that allows homebuilders to showcase their exceptional craftsmanship and innovation. This premier showcase offers homebuyers a unique opportunity to explore the latest trends, cutting-edge designs, and unparalleled quality that define the local housing market.

Discover the Pinnacle of Residential Perfection

Peer-Judged Masterpieces: The Competitive Edge

The Parade of Homes is more than just a public exhibition; it's a testament to the skill and dedication of local homebuilders. Each year, these professionals compete to have their homes selected for the prestigious event, undergoing a rigorous peer-judging process in the week leading up to the public tours. This competitive element ensures that only the most exceptional homes are showcased, setting the bar for excellence in the industry.As the judges meticulously evaluate each entry, they assess a wide range of criteria, from innovative floor plans and cutting-edge technologies to stunning architectural features and impeccable craftsmanship. The homes that emerge victorious are not merely houses, but true works of art, showcasing the pinnacle of residential design and construction.

Unveiling the Future of Homebuilding

The Parade of Homes is more than just a showcase of the present; it's a glimpse into the future of homebuilding. Visitors to the event will have the opportunity to explore the latest trends and innovations that are shaping the industry, from energy-efficient technologies and smart home features to cutting-edge materials and sustainable building practices.By immersing themselves in these cutting-edge homes, attendees can gain valuable insights into the direction of the housing market and the evolving needs and preferences of modern homebuyers. This knowledge can prove invaluable for those considering building or purchasing a new home, as it allows them to make informed decisions and stay ahead of the curve.

A Celebration of Community and Craftsmanship

The Parade of Homes is not just about the homes themselves; it's a celebration of the local community and the skilled professionals who bring these exceptional residences to life. Visitors will have the chance to interact with the builders, architects, and designers behind the featured homes, gaining a deeper appreciation for the passion, creativity, and technical expertise that goes into each project.Moreover, the event serves as a platform for local businesses and service providers to showcase their offerings, from interior design and landscaping to home automation and security systems. This collaborative spirit fosters a sense of community and highlights the depth of talent and resources available within the local housing market.

A Transformative Homebuying Experience

For prospective homebuyers, the Parade of Homes offers a transformative experience that goes beyond the typical real estate search. By physically stepping into these meticulously crafted homes, visitors can immerse themselves in the living spaces, feel the quality of the materials, and envision themselves in these dream residences.This hands-on approach allows homebuyers to move beyond the limitations of online listings and virtual tours, empowering them to make more informed and confident decisions about their future homes. The Parade of Homes provides a unique opportunity to explore the full potential of residential living, inspiring and guiding buyers towards the perfect home that aligns with their lifestyle and aspirations.

A Celebration of Homebuilding Excellence

The Parade of Homes is more than just a showcase of exceptional homes; it's a celebration of the homebuilding industry's dedication to excellence. By highlighting the best of the best, the event not only inspires and educates homebuyers but also fosters a sense of pride and camaraderie among the local building community.For homebuilders, the Parade of Homes represents an opportunity to showcase their craftsmanship, innovation, and commitment to quality. It's a chance to connect with potential clients, network with industry peers, and gain valuable feedback that can inform and enhance their future projects.Moreover, the event serves as a platform for homebuilders to demonstrate their adherence to the highest standards of construction, sustainability, and customer service – all of which are essential in today's competitive housing market. By participating in the Parade of Homes, these professionals cement their reputations as leaders in the industry and trusted partners for homebuyers.
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Nasdaq, S&P 500 Futures Relay Cautious Optimism: What’s Going On – Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (NASDAQ:QQQ), SPDR S&P 500 (ARCA:SPY)

Navigating the Fed's Pivotal Decision: Deciphering the Market's Reaction

As the highly anticipated Federal Reserve meeting approaches, investors are bracing for a potential shift in the market's direction. The index futures are slightly higher early Wednesday, reflecting a defensive stance among traders as they await the central bank's decision. The trading landscape is expected to be characterized by a narrow range until the rate announcement, with the ultimate direction hinging on various factors, including the Fed's language, economic projections, and Chair Jerome Powell's commentary.

Anticipation Builds as the Fed's Verdict Looms

Betting on the Fed's Next Move

The betting and futures market suggest a 50 basis point cut could be on the table, but most economists anticipate a more modest 25 basis point reduction. Some strategists even express concern that a larger cut could be interpreted as a confession from the central bank that the economic conditions are a cause for concern.

Premarket Performance: A Mixed Bag

In premarket trading on Tuesday, the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust SPY added 0.10% to $563.66, while the Invesco QQQ ETF QQQ gained 0.11% to $473.99, according to Benzinga Pro data. This suggests a cautious optimism among investors as they await the Fed's decision.

Cues from the Previous Session

On Tuesday, a stronger-than-expected increase in August retail sales set in motion a strong buying wave, which, however, could not be sustained in the afternoon session. As a result, the major indices ended narrowly mixed, with the S&P 500 rising for a seventh consecutive session and reaching an intraday high amid the early buying. The broader gauge, however, came off the high and ended marginally higher, now at its best level since August 23.

Analysts' Insights: Deciphering the Fed's Moves

Scott Merkle, managing partner of SLB Capital Advisors, believes a 25 basis point reduction is likely, as the "Fed is likely to start small to provide an opportunity to adjust in future periods." He expects lower rates to reinvigorate M&A activity, the sale-leaseback market, and lower financing costs.LPL Financial Chief Technical Strategist Adam Turnquist notes that in the last nine major rate hiking cycles since the 1970s, the S&P 500 has generated mixed, modest returns over the three months following the first cut, with 12-month average and median returns of 5.5% and 10.8%, respectively. However, the 12-month maximum drawdowns following the first cut have been around 19%–20%, larger declines than the average maximum drawdown for all years since 1974 of 14.4%. Turnquist emphasizes that "how the economy holds up and if we enter or avoid a recession will ultimately dictate how stocks perform over the longer term."

Economic Data on the Horizon

Investors will closely monitor the upcoming economic data releases, including the Commerce Department's housing starts and building permits report, as well as the Energy Information Administration's weekly petroleum status report. All eyes, however, will be on the Federal Reserve's policy statement, the Summary of Economic Projections, and Chair Jerome Powell's press conference, which will provide crucial insights into the central bank's decision-making and future plans.

Stocks in Focus: Navigating the Uncertainty

United States Steel Corporation X climbed over 3% in premarket trading after the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States reportedly allowed time for the steelmaker's pursuer Nippon Steel to close the deal, keeping the acquisition alive. Meanwhile, General Mills, Inc. GIS is set to release its earnings report ahead of the market opening, and Steelcase Inc. SCS will report after the close.

Commodities, Bonds, and Global Equity Markets: Bracing for the Fed's Impact

Crude oil futures fell sharply, extending their steep loss from Tuesday, while gold futures rose modestly, as investors await the Fed's decision. The benchmark 10-year Treasury note rose 2.4 points to 3.666%, and Bitcoin BTC/USD gained, approaching the $60,000 psychological resistance.In the currency market, the dollar was weaker against its major counterparts. The major Asian markets that were open showed nervousness and settled mostly lower, while the Australian, Japanese, and Chinese markets bucked the downtrend. European stocks were mostly lower in early trading, as market participants digested domestic inflation data and looked forward to the Fed's decision.As the financial world holds its breath, the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting promises to be a pivotal moment that will shape the market's trajectory in the weeks and months to come. Investors and analysts alike are closely monitoring the central bank's every move, seeking to navigate the uncertainty and capitalize on the opportunities that may arise.
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