15th Annual Kiwanis Car Show

While DJ Steve Reynolds played “Feel Good” Golden Oldies, car enthusiasts eagerly inspected the glistening array of meticulously maintained automobiles on display at Veterans’ Community Park during the 15th Annual Kiwanis Car Show, offering something for everybody. The 170 vehicles on display were a testament to years of love, devotion, maintenance, and care…and pride in keeping a piece of history alive to share with another generation.

“I’ve owned this 1978 Ford Bronco since my son found it on the Coast of Maine fifteen years ago. He and I drove it down here, and it’s been on Marco ever since. This is my ‘island ride’, and I drive it every day,” explained Garrett Smith. “This is my 5th year participating in the car show, and I love it when a child lights up, showing interest in these vehicles. I let them climb in and check it out. I am honored to support the great work the Kiwanis do.”

“This is my car. My husband is a serious collector and has a collection of 22 very special cars, most of which are one-offs, each with a story to go it. This is my one and only collectable. I found this car while he was busy negotiating a deal at an exotic dealership in St. Louis. I happened upon about a dozen brass cars. I told my husband that I brought my checkbook and was buying this car (her 1906 Cadillac),” beamed Wanda Coady. “This is our only collectable car that we keep on Marco. I have so much fun driving it around the island. I even pickup my girlfriends and take them to lunch in it.”

“Restoring and collecting cars is in the genes. My husband began restoring cars as a fifteen-year-old. We have two sons and a daughter, and they all have their own collections. During times of restoration, as parts were lacquered and polished, well, you just couldn’t leave them in the garage; they would get dirty. So, we would have fender in each bedroom and the hood in the living room,” laughed Wanda Coady.

“I’ve had this car for 30 years. 25 years ago, I decided to restore it. I’ve kept it inside and have taken care of it. In New Jersey, I’m judging cars. Down here, I get to be in one,” said Richard Quelch, owner of a 1967 Corvette which won this year’s Best Car of the 1960s and Best in Class for its division. “Having a good wife is very important. She enjoys this, too. This is a great activity for us to do together. It brings us closer together.”

The day’s festivities also included music and dance performances before the trophy presentation.

All proceeds from the Kiwanis Car Show benefit the Children’s Scholarship Program.