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2008 All Firebird Lawn Show Photos by Keith Fuerst and Tom Smith We were concerned about the effect of $4 a gallon gas and a monsoon like weather pattern on attendance of the 6th Annual All Firebird Lawn Show at the Saratoga Auto Museum, but prayers for good weather were answered in Saratoga Springs. Unfortunately the weather in southern New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania prevented some Firebird enthusiasts in those states from attending the festivities. On Friday night, early Birds gathered for a show "appetizer" at the Saratoga Auto Museum. Firebird enthusiasts mingled in front of the museum, cameras in hand, introducing themselves, and of course the subject of conversation was…Firebirds!! The Saratoga Springs PD provided an escort for 37 Firebirds on a cruise past Saratoga Lake, Saratoga Thoroughbred horse track, and Saratoga Racing and Gaming Racino, to Mr. Ed’s Ice Cream and Pizza Station. It’s very nice to see people’s reaction when such a long line of Firebirds go cruising by! Ironically, the number of cars in the cruise this year is the same as the total number of Firebirds at the 1st All Firebird Lawn Show. It’s amazing just how much this show has grown. On Saturday, much to the delight of the host club, Firebird Nation of North America, a show record of 139 Firebird owners did not let the price of fuel keep them from enjoying a day of fun in the sun and showing off their Pontiac F-bodies. A bigger surprise was that the participants opened their wallets and helped to raise almost $6,000 to benefit Special Olympics Saratoga. Combined with donations from show sponsors, this year’s total was another show record. Once again the Firebirds on the large rectangular show field were truly amazing. However you like your Firebird, from stock to wild custom, from flames to Pro Street, it was there. As usual, judging these fine examples of Pontiac muscle was extremely tough. Judges Joe Carey, Ray DeCrescenzo, Eddie Barra, Keith Fuerst and Dean Meneilley rolled up their sleeves and got the job done. There are many people to credit for the success of this show. The "Head Cheese" Tom Smith and his wife Sandy who work year round to organize this event. FNONA members Keith Fuerst, Joe Carey, Keith Tanney, Dave, Lisa, and Trish Lord, Eddie Barra, Ron Pratt, Joel Auger, John Green, and Dean Meneilley. We also thank our Special Olympics athlete representatives Brian Smith, Anthony Larmon, Daniel Larmon, Ernie Dillon, Todd Byron, DJ Nolan, and Jennifer Delaney. We also thank Special Olympics Saratoga County coaches and volunteers Mike and Margo Bagneschi, Ron and Arlene Delaney, Sandy Byron, Chris Radz, and Don Nolan. Volunteer friends included Barb and Henry Gepfert, and Ray DeCrescenzo Special thanks go out to Alan Edstrom of the Saratoga Auto Museum and Show sponsor Ralph Mangino Jr. of Mangino Pontiac, and NFTAC for generously donating raffle items and Eagle Magazines. The date for next year’s show is July 11, 2009. Rain date is
July 12, 2009.
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