Organizers, participants revved up for first 4th of July car show
With the historic Tremont Nail Factory District as a backdrop, the Wareham Historical Society’s first Fourth of July car show attracted approximately 120 entries, showcasing the site’s potential for future events, officials said. It also helped revitalize a holiday tradition, the 41st annual 4th of July Antique and Craft Faire, held up the street on the village green.
“To have this kind of turnout for a first time event is really exceptional,” said Selectman Alan Slavin, the show’s co-organizer along with Paul Girard. “It really shows the property has value.”
Held Tuesday afternoon alongside the antiques faire, – the society’s signature fundraiser – the show served two purposes: It added a reason for more people to attend the faire and showed that the district can serve as a successful venue for events at the long-neglected property on Elm Street, officials said.
Local leaders are currently developing plans for the site, which may include renovating the former factory site into a destination complete with shops, restaurants and event space. In January, officials announced that MassDevelopment awarded the town $50,000 to study potential uses for the site.
Slavin said due to the car show's success, there are plans to hold cruise nights once a month at the same location.
Girard said the show’s success was a welcome surprise, adding he was grateful that Robinson GMC sponsored the event.
“We didn’t how we’d do, this being the first show, but we did good,” said Girard. “So, we’re happy.”
On Tuesday afternoon, Girard handed out two best in show awards. One winner was John Medeiros of Wareham who won for his 1967 Camaro. Medeiros explained that he drove the car while in high school, but sold it in 1986. By chance, he found it for sale in Connecticut in 2009 and bought it back.
The other best in show winner was Gerry Vary of West Wareham for his 1958 Chevy Impala convertible. Vary bought the car 10 years ago and recently finished its restoration.
“This is the first time I’ve had it out,” said Vary. “We did pretty good today.”
