Annual Classic Car Show at Orchard Beach

Annual Classic Car Show at Orchard Beach

Some of the great new and classic automobiles and bikes will be on display when Eastcoast Classic Car Association presents its 8th Annual Orchard Beach Classic Car & Motorcycle Show. 

The famed car aficionados, Joe Caldwell and John Monsolino are getting the word out today to rev up the engines of car lovers everywhere throughout the Bronx, releasing a list of special guests who will be on hand at the Orchard Beach Parking Lot, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 21, for what is considered to be the largest car show in the borough. 

“Every year, we like to add to the event and make it more well-rounded; something the entire family could enjoy,” said Caldwell.  “This year, we turned up the volume a little bit.  There is something for everyone to enjoy.”

Among the guests in attendance at this year’s event will be Joe Causi of WCBS FM Radio, who will be the master of ceremonies for the car show with live coverage on the radio. 

In addition, as in years’ past, members of the New York Yankees will be on hand to meet and greet local fans.  Caldwell does expect at least five players, and included that the legend Reggie Jackson will also make an appearance at the show. 

Also, The Ponytails Band, an all-girl singing group; Girls, Girls, Girls, an all-girl Motley Crue Tribute band; and Reminisce, a vintage doo wop group, will provide musical entertainment as guests peruse the cars on display. 

Chuck Zito, from the former HBO series OZ, will be on hand to show off his “Bad” 57 Chevy, while cast members from The Sopranos will also get together for the show, as has become a tradition due to star Vincent Pastore’s friendship with Caldwell. 

Other big names include current stars and legends from World Wrestling Entertainment, including the beautiful Divas. 

“Vince McMahon is a friend,” said Caldwell.  “And he is a strong supporter of the New York City Police Department, which this event supports.  He agreed to send stars free of charge.  Everyone who shows up does so, volunteering their time.”

More celebrities and sports figures are expected to be announced in the near future, as Eastcoast Classic Car Association does everything it can to raise money for the NYC Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association’s two children’s foundations.  A portion of the proceeds go to the charities. 

“As of last year, we’ve raised $209,000 for the PBA,” said Caldwell, who belongs to 17 car clubs and started the event eight years ago as a one-time gig to raise money for the victims of 9/11.

“They kept asking me to do something, so I did, and everyone loved the show so much,” he continued.  “We had to do it again, and it has been that way ever since.”

Last year, over 1,600 cars and 900 motorcycles were on display.  This year, despite gas prices, Caldwell is hopeful he will get the same numbers.  He also has plans for the years ahead. 

“I’m going to bring out the heavy hitters for the 10th anniversary,” Caldwell promised, hinting that among those he will invite would be Jay Leno, Joe Pesci and Robert De Niro.  “But this year is also going to be a great show.”

For those looking to have their cars on display, the fee for the event is $20, which includes two occupants per car or bike.  Those looking to take part in a police escorted motorcycle run to Ground Zero will have to pay $10 extra.  All other spectators enter Orchard Beach for only $10 to enjoy the show.

A raffle costing $100 per ticket will also be held for a 2008 Mustang Shelby GT signed by Carrol Shelby. 

For more information, call (914) 557-7575 or go to www.orchardbeachcarshow.com