North Haven PBA Offers Third Annual Car Show

Collector car enthusiasts, it's time to start your engines for the third annual North Haven Police Benevolent Association (PBA) Car Show, which takes place at the North Haven High School, 221 Elm Street, on Sunday, Sept. 5 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Under the leadership of Sgt. Bob Onofrio, Senior Patrol Officer Ted Stockman, Patrol Officer Chris Thorpe, and retired Sgt. Rich Diana-along with other North Haven officers who help out on the day of the event-the PBA car show has grown each year as word spreads among automobile aficionados of this important fundraiser to benefit North Haven residents.

"Last year 338 cars were entered and we expected 200," stated Sgt. Onofrio, the man assigned the duty of promoting the event locally and via the web. "We're listed on 10 websites and we expect 400 to 500 cars to be in the show this year," Onofrio added.

To have enough room for all those cars-along with ample room for the vendors-the show was moved to the high school parking lot this year. Visitor parking will be available in the adjacent middle school parking lot.

The idea of having a classic car show in North Haven was born from the desire to present a popular annual event that would act as a fundraiser for the North Haven PBA. When the car enthusiasts at the police department-Onofrio, Stockmon, Thorpe, and Diana-put their heads together and said, "Hey, let's do a car show," the idea kicked into high gear with the approval of Police Chief James X. DiCarlo.

"The money earned from the show goes to the PBA to be used for charity, family needs in the town, and also for police training and some [other] programs we have at the police department," Onofrio explained.

The entry fee for show cars is $10 and general admission is considered to be a donation at $2 per person with free admission for children under 12. The classes of cars that will be judged for trophies and plaques include: antique custom, stock, hot rod, muscle, street rod, classics, and trucks. D.A.R.E. cars and vintage police cruisers will also be on display. Cars and trucks of model years 1985 and later will not be accepted in the show, however, there will be a special section of modern muscle cars from 1985 and later.

There will also be a 50/50 raffle run by Captain Mark Genovese, five food vendors, a DJ, and engine and transmission repair vendors for those enthusiasts looking to have mechanical work done on their own collector vehicles.

"We've had big support for the town residents each year and the show is very successful due to area and town businesses that make donations," Onofrio stated. "That money then benefits residents of North Haven who come to the PBA for money when they need help."

For last-minute information on entering a car in the third annual PBA Car Show, contact Officer Ted Stockman at 203-464-2289, Sgt. Bob Onofrio at 203-239-5321, or Jim Apuzzo at 203-281-3019.

For pictures of Ted Stockman's 1964 Dodge 880 classic police cruiser and Marty Tondalo's 1981 Chevy Z28 Camaro-both of which will be at the show-visit us at www.zip06.com/northhaven.

Your Photos

Headed to the car show with a camera in tow? Post your photos and the Courier will try to print some in the coming issues of the paper.