Italian American Veterans Club hosts 2nd Annual Car Show
ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Car enthusiasts drove through Elmira on Sunday for the Italian American Veterans Club's 2nd Annual Car Show.
Roughly 50 cars drove through the Italian American Veterans Club on Magee Street starting Sunday morning for the club's 2nd annual car show. A rummage sale, raffles, and many more activities were also part of the car show, along with food and music. Proceeds raised from the event go straight to the IAV.
“It feels wonderful to give back to the veterans that served and fought for us.” Cody Wood, Organizer of the IAV’s 2nd Annual Car Show, said.
“I think it turned out real good,” John Amico, a volunteer at the IAV’s 2nd Annual Car Show, said. “They help a lot of people.”
U.S. Navy Veteran George Sarno served for four years serving in Vietnam from 1966 until 1968. On Sunday, he brought his 1947 Dodge pickup truck to the IAV Car Show. He had a memorial painted on the back hatch, showing respect for all who've served.
“When I and other vets came back from Vietnam, we weren't respected. We were frowned upon,” Sarno said. “This is my way of showing that I respect all vets, especially Vietnam vets. I'm glad I was one of them, and I served.”
Shawn Mitchell was one of the only people with a motorcycle at Sunday's show. He specializes in motorcycle restoration through his business, Cobblestone Motorcycles. He was hoping to catch the eye of others riders with his bike, which he's invested nearly $8,000 into restoring. Mitchell hopes people seeing his bike would make them want to restore theirs or buy one of their own.
“I started this hoping I could get people interested in my artistic work,” Mitchell said. “Hopefully, somebody comes along and wants me to do it to their bike.”
The 2022 car show raised roughly $1,000 for the Italian American Veterans Club. They plan on bringing the show back to Elmira again next year. People can mail-in donations to the IAV at 1070 Magee St, Elmira, NY 14901. More information on how people can support the IAV can be found online.