Car show cruising into town  

0
149
Terry Davis and Barbara Rich check out a 1954 GMC bus modeled after the bus driven by the character Ralph Kramden, played by Jackie Gleason, in The Honeymooners during the 30th annual Sock Hop and Car Show last year in Prospect. –FILE PHOTO
Terry Davis and Barbara Rich check out a 1954 GMC bus modeled after the bus driven by the character Ralph Kramden, played by Jackie Gleason, in The Honeymooners during the 30th annual Sock Hop and Car Show last year in Prospect. –FILE PHOTO

PROSPECT — With revving engines, unique paint jobs and shiny chrome, classic cars will descend on Prospect this weekend.

The town’s 31st annual Sock Hop and Car Show is Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. on the Town Green. The rain date is Sept. 25.

Mayor Robert Chatfield expects the event to draw up to 900 cars.

“We have every kind of car you could think of. Cars from the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s tend to dominate the show, but we will also have military vehicles and emergency vehicles,” Chatfield said.

One of the vehicles the show will feature is a vintage public bus from the 1960s that serviced Waterbury, Chatfield said. The bus is covered with memorabilia from the 1950s television show “The Honeymooners,” whose main character, Ralph Kramden, worked as a bus driver.

In addition to the cars, the event will also feature live 1950s and 1960s music with performances by The Rockin’ Heartbeats and the Sharades. Local restaurants will be serving food.

Radio personality AJ, of the radio program Chaz and AJ in the Morning, and Steve Magnante, a commentator for Barrett-Jackson Auctions on Fox Sports TV, will also be at the show. Magnante is known for having an encyclopedic knowledge of cars.

Entrance to the event is free and visitors can park at Town Hall or Long River Middle School.

Chatfield said the event has become an end-of-the-summer social for people from throughout the area.

“It is just a very nice day. People come and they talk about their first car. For many people there is a lot of nostalgia. It is really an end-of-summer social. All are invited to come walk around and look at the cars. It won’t cost a thing,” Chatfield said.