Ernie Santos refers to his green, 1969 Mercury Cougar as a “labor of love,” but for the first time, he can say he’s been recognized for his passion and efforts.

“When they announced my name, I just sat there. I didn’t really know what was going on,” said Santos, who took home the award for “Best in Show” at Sunday’s Onset Cape Verdean Festival Antique Car Show at the Dudley Brown VFW.

The Falmouth man was one of many who brought a car, truck, or motorcycle to the show, which helps raise funds for the annual August festival.

“It was unexpected,” said Santos of the win, which he said is his first ever for the car he’s owned since 2011. “That meant a lot to me. The car takes me to a different place.”

Arthur Joia, fundraising chair for the festival, was at the antique show with his red, 1970 Chevy Nova SS. He said the show was a success, although turnout was slightly lower than expected—probably due to two other Sunday car shows on Cape Cod.

“It went well,” said Joia. “We will continue to put it on every year.”

“It was a good show,” said Steve Monteiro, who made the trip from the Cape with his black, 1989 LX Ford Mustang, which is equipped with a big block Chevy engine and a nitrous booster for added speed. “There were a lot of good people here and everybody had a great time. You can’t find a better show.”

Onset Cape Verdean Festival President Deneen Rose agreed with Joia that participation was a little down compared to past years, but she also said that the event was still a good one.

“It wasn’t as huge turnout as we expected, but it went well,” said Rose, adding that they sold breakfast and coffee in the morning and burgers, hot dogs and more in the afternoon as part of fundraising efforts for the festival. They also held a raffle, selling T-shirts and more. “It was pretty good.”