By JACQUELINE DURETT
Correspondent
SOUTH AMBOY — This past Sunday was a beautiful day for a car show, and organizer and Second Assistant Fire Chief Mike Toth said he was happy the weather cooperated for the biggest fundraiser of the year for the fire department.
The car show, which took place along Broadway, featured vendors, activities, food and, of course, cars — 153 of them.
Residents strolled Broadway, which was closed off to traffic from First Street to John Street, to check out antique cars, hot rods and more. Attendees lined up to purchase barbecue dishes and 50/50 raffle tickets to support the fire company, while children participated in hula hoop and ring toss contests. Others were there to check out the cars while owners stood proudly by ready to answer questions and perhaps take home one of the many trophies available, including the 6-foot-high Mayor’s Trophy.
“It’s a beautiful day,” said Toth, who said the Aug. 7 weather actually might have worked a little against the show, as he thought the event would get more than 200 cars on display. “A lot of people might be doing family things.”
The 17th annual car show was sponsored by Independence Fire Company, which is located on Broadway.
“It’s usually the one day that we don’t have any trouble getting manpower at the firehouse,” Toth joked. “We all work together. It’s work, but it’s fun.”
Other firehouses participate as well — Protection Fire Company was selling ribs both at its own firehouse on Feltus and David streets and at the event on Broadway. A large “Sold Out” sign was posted by midday at the firehouse.
Toth said both the city and the Broadway businesses were incredibly supportive of the show. Some eateries opened as early as 6 a.m. to accommodate organizers and car owners.
“The whole town gets involved,” Toth said.
During the car show, Tina Eckert, one of the owners of Masterplace Mixers, a new art studio on Broadway, said the timing of the car show was great to let residents know the studio just opened. She said when she and her brother and mother, who also own the studio, found out about the event, they wanted to participate by having face painting available as an additional fundraiser for the fire department.
Toth said he realized just prior to the show that the fire department was close to its fundraising goal and anticipated that on the day of, the department would reach it.
“This is our big one for the year,” Toth said of the car show, but added that the department also relies on a Valentine’s Day fundraiser as well.