Category Archives: Events

for items regarding past or upcoming events or shows

2022 Trans Am Nationals

October 4, 2022 firebirdclub Leave a comment

Story and photos by Paul Albinger

The 37th Annual Trans Am Nationals was held in Fairborn Ohio form August 26 to the 28th, 2022. Each year funds are raised through silent and live auctions and 50/50 drawing “A Special Foundation” helping to make a dream come true for children with life threatening illnesses. This year nearly $20,000 was raised.

This is a show where the best of the best Firebirds and Trans Am gather. This year was the 3rd largest show of all time with 516 cars from 32 states and Canada attending. Nightly cruises are held along with seminars featuring former Pontiac Motor Division executives sharing their knowledge, expertise, experiences, and memories. This year Jim Mattison, Herb Adams, John Schinella, and Bill Davis shared priceless information with us. This all culminated by meeting and renewing friendships … even known to last all night as the fellowship under the entrance of the hotel continues on and on and on all day and all night.

The swap meet for all Pontiac parts, memorabilia, apparel, etc. lasted all 3 days.

Truly one of MUST DO / BUCKET LIST SHOWS for Pontiackers to attend with or without a car. Next year show dates are August 25 – 27, 2023.

Editor’s Note: Paul Albinger lives in Gilbert, Arizona and owns a 1979 10th Anniversary Trans Am and a 1969 Firebird 400 convertible. Also thanks to Mark Neumann for his help in getting us this story and photos while on the road.

Events

2022 NJ Trans Am / All Pontiac Run

September 17, 2022 firebirdclub Leave a comment

story and photos by Ben Deutschman

The weatherman was threatening horrendous rain, nuclear bombing by Putin, who knows, maybe even snow, but the morning of July 9, 2022, was nothing but clear skies, bright, and very warm sunshine, and a heaping helping of humidity.

Our troop gathered by the Edison New Jersey, Rt. 1 South McDonalds in the Crossroads Plaza Shopping Center starting around 1:00 p.m., and close to on time, departed around 2:00 p.m. The NJ Trans Am/All Pontiac Run took Rt 287 to Rt. 22 East, and followed Terrell Rd into Fanwood, New Jersey, turning on to South Ave, and shortly thereafter, arriving at Fabios Bistro. Once at our destination, everyone found themselves a place to park, and the waiters and waitresses brought out menus, took the food orders.

Once everyone was done enjoying lunch, we assembled in the parking lot of Fabios Bistro, a free Raffle commenced, and a number of items donated by the National Firebird Trans Am Club were raffled off to some lucky winners.

The next and last item on the agenda, was the presentation of the Best Trans Am, and best Pontiac trophies sponsored by myself. The lucky winners were picked by the owners of Fabios Bistro (Greg Kowalczyk), and his partner.

And so, another NJ Trans Am/All Pontiac Run enters the history books.

Events

2021 Pontiac Celebration in Warwick, Rhode Island

December 16, 2021 firebirdclub Leave a comment

by Rick DiGiacomo and Larry Kummer

The 2021 “Pontiac Celebration” Eastern Regional Meet was a huge success, much welcomed after the year (2020) delay. Once again, our event continues to draw great Pontiacs showing, and many enthusiastic Pontiac hobbyists enjoying this special weekend gathering.

Not forgetting the purpose of this event– “Pontiacs with a Purpose”– many gave their time, energy, and contributions to our children’s cancer charities: Alex’s Lemonade Stand foundation for childhood cancer and The Tomorrow Fund helping children and families affected by cancer. To date we have donated over $60,000 from “A Pontiac Celebration” 2010 through 2021 and made partners with a lot of companies that wish to help, look at the Exhale Wellness HHC that reduces some of the bad symptoms your body gets while fighting cancer. All from of our generous Pontiac enthusiasts. Proving how great Pontiac people are!

While a few Pontiac lovers arrived as early as Thursday to help with the event, many more rolled in on Friday to participate in our area-wide “Teddy Bear Cruise” that evening. Music, food, and drink attracted many great looking cars of all types, makes, and models from throughout the local community cruising in for the fun and to help support our charities.

The big event was the All Pontiac Car Show on Saturday. Overcast and then sunny Fall weather made for a great day. We were happy to see 220 beautiful Pontiacs on the show field. Though down a small amount from our 2018 Celebration, it was a very positive sign of the support of our Pontiac community during these continued trying times. Once again many local and surrounding Pontiac Clubs came out in force to make our event a huge success. This Celebration the Long Island Pontiac Clubs took home the Club Participation Award. Every year they come out in force to support and enjoy the Pontiac Celebration. We thank everyone for their support.

The Saturday evening BBQ dinner spread was enjoyed by a hungry crowd after a full day of car show and activities. But the high point of the banquet was when the many awards were given out to all who worked so hard preparing their beautiful cars. Top award of the evening – People’s Choice – went to Frank Nolan with his beautiful 1978 Trans Am. Many other Specialty Trophies, some in memory of those who are no longer with us, but in our memories, were also presented.

Our PontiacRegistry.com trophy went to a beautiful 1970 Firebird Formula 400. Each Celebration, we select a Pontiac that we feel represents something special to our hobby. Often times it has been a car that may not be the best on the field, but yet captures something special about our great hobby and the special people who enjoy it. This year, we have to admit, it was the fact that this was not only a very gorgeous car, but that it stood alone (and thus stood out) as not-a-Trans Am. As such, we felt it was award-worthy as a Firebird that is so often overshadowed by the Trans Ams.

One of the last “awards” during our banquet was the drawing for the Vacation Raffle. This year saw a lucky winner heading off to a luxury condo vacation in the mountains of New Hampshire. It was especially delightful because the winner was a wonderful lady and her husband who have work tirelessly during all of our Celebrations to help make it bigger, better, and more enjoyable each year. A prize that was well deserved!

2021 Pontiac Celebration in Warwick, Rhode Island

Events

2021 NJ Trans Am/All Pontiac Run

September 11, 2021 firebirdclub Leave a comment

by Ben Deutschman

Edison, New Jersey to Watchung, New Jersey (Cinemark Theater)

July 10, 2021

While the early part of the day looked a bit uncertain in terms of the weather, the 2021 NJ Trans am/All Pontiac Run went on as scheduled, with the participants gathering in the usual staging area of the Parking Lot adjacent to the McDonalds on Rt. 1 and Prince St in Edison, New Jersey.

The iffy skies early on probably deterred a number of participants from coming out and joining our troop of Trans Ams, a Formula Firebird, and a Pontiac GTO. The departing vehicle count was 11 vehicles, with a twelfth vehicle, a Firebird convertible joining us at our destination in Watchung, New Jersey at the Cinemark Theater.

Once at the theater parking lot everyone settled in and then made a bee line for the cinema concession stand, somewhat overwhelming them a bit.

An unexpected, pleasant surprise was provided by the nearby Mexico Grill, who’s owner donated two small Pizza Boxes full of quesadillas, grilled cheese and chicken tortillas, and dipping sauce.

After everyone had a chance to eat, and relax a bit, the participants gathered by the theater, and I (Ben Deutschman), began a game of “guess what number I’m thinking of” to award the “giveaway items” graciously provided by the National Firebird and Trans Am Club.

Once the giveaway items had been won by the lucky ones who guessed the correct numbers I was thinking of, the “Best Trans Am” Trophy was awarded to the 1997 Black Trans Am Convertible, owned by Brian DeLuca. The best Pontiac went to Michelle Lopez’s silver 2006 GTO.

After the “giveaway” items and Trophy presentations were done, I thanked the Cinemark Theater Manager for allowing us to gather in the theater parking Lot, and visited Mexico Grill to thank the manager there for the food donation, and discussed congregating by the Mexico Grill as our 2022 NJ Trans Am/All Pontiac Run destination.

1. National Firebird Trans Am Club T-Shirt winner-Bert Fernandez

2. National Firebird Trans Am Club “Technical Articles CD” winner Joyce McMullen.

3. National Firebird Trans Am Club “Membership Certificate” winner’ Mike McMullen.

4. Print copies of National Firebird Trans Am Club Eagle Magazine distributed to all participants.

Events

Garden State Chapter All Pontiac Fall Show

April 7, 2020 firebirdclub Leave a comment

While the Skies over our Garden State Fall Show may have been cloudy, it was clear that the most ardent of Pontiac, Oakland and GMC Truck enthusiasts from our area were undeterred. Our show drew some great entries from across northern New Jersey, Staten Island (NYC) and from the Long Island Pontiac Clubs (oh, and one guy from Manhattan, too). Our Fall Show was definitely the place to be on October 6, 2019!

Dianne Lennox, president of our chapter, certainly knows how to organize a first-class event. Fellow Garden State Chapter members helped her smoothly orchestrate everything, from registration to class parking to the award presentation – noted for its rather nice trophies. Thanks go out to the efforts of each of our club members for their individual contributions.

More thanks go out to the Clifton, NJ Masonic Lodge for once again for providing and excellent venue for our show. I know everyone appreciated our genial food vendor. We started out with a “just-right” DJ, but later on, we introduced the spectacular talents of the Glynis Cobb Band. They simply wowed the crowd!

There was no shortage of trophy winners in the various classes and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

I think it is worth mentioning that this is our 39th Fall Show, which has to be a record for POCI chapters. Just wait until next year!

Now, having assumed the role of roving reporter and photographer, I find it personally rewarding to chat with as many of the owners as possible. Everyone in attendance had great stories to share about their pride and joy. Sharing the passion for our Pontiacs is why we have our club, and our show is enhanced with a diverse selection of models from the various decades – a true hallmark of POCI events.

Mike Weiss Editor’s Note: Mike Weiss is a member of the NFTAC and this event draws many Firebirds and Trans Ams as shown by the photos hers. I encourage our members to attend this show later this year.

Events

2019 Indian Uprising All Pontiac Weekend

September 25, 2019 firebirdclub Leave a comment

29th Annual Indian Uprising All Pontiac Weekend – August 9-11, 2019 in St. Charles, Illinois

2019 Indian Uprising All Pontiac Weekend

Events

2019 NJ Trans Am/ All Pontiac Run

September 9, 2019 firebirdclub Leave a comment

Edison. NJ McDonalds to Howell, NJ Chik-Fil-A
7-13-2019

The 2019 NJ Trans Am/All Pontiac Run drew 20 participants, and all but three made the whole trip from Edison to Howell New Jersey Chik-Fil-A, our host and destination for this year’s Run. The weather was as good as one gets in July, with a high near 90 degrees, but fortunately without oppressive humidity, which pleased both the vehicles, and their owners.

While we did hit a small traffic jam getting on to Rt 195 east from the New Jersey Turnpike, as the non-car people fascinated themselves with a roadside Tire change, which backed traffic up from a point just as we got on to Rte. 195 east, back to the NJ Turnpike Toll Plaza. Once past the roadside entertainment for the non-car people, it was smooth sailing all the way to our destination.

The folks at Chik-Fil-A outdid themselves, not only did they throw in a Chunk Chocolate Cookie with each Run participant’s food order, but they even coned off the lower Parking Lot for our participants.

After allowing about an hour for everyone to settle in, eat, and hang out a bit, the winners for “Best Trans Am/Firebird”, and “Best Pontiac” were called. The “Best Trans Am/Firebird” Trophy went to a semi customized 1978 Black and Gold Trans Am, and the “Best Pontiac” Trophy went to a dark Green 1966? G.T.O.

Once the Trophies were awarded there was a FREE Raffle, to distribute some giveaway items to six lucky winners.

With the Trophies awarded, and free Raffle concluded, everyone headed home

See you all again next year.

Ben Deutschman

Events

Pontiacs at Pigeon Forge

July 5, 2019 firebirdclub Leave a comment

The Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge Car Show has been happening now for almost two decades! This year’s show has some of the most gorgeous Pontiacs around. The 19th Annual show was held on May 30 – June 2, 2019.

The show was held in a new location at MainStay Suites in beautiful Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. There was fun for the whole family as there was something here for everyone! You could go to the indoor and outdoor pools at the host hotel, visit Dollywood Amusement Park for some serious thrills, or shop till you drop at the many outlet malls. We assure you that no one was bored. All proceeds from the show went to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in loving memory of Ciera Blackburn. Editor’s Note: Thanks to David Caudill for the photos.

Events

MusclePalooza

March 14, 2019 firebirdclub Leave a comment

Here are some of the Firebirds from the Hemmings MusclePalooza event last Labor Day weekend in upstate New York. This event is also held every Memorial Day weekend at West Lebanon Dragway. I was with the Long Island GTO/POCI contingent. For this we don’t necessarily restrict ourselves to our Pontiacs. some of these Firebirds are ours and others are not. This is a great muscle car show and classic drag racing event! I’ve enjoyed this event for years and recommend it highly.
Michael Weiss

Events

A Pontiac Celebration – 2018

December 7, 2018 firebirdclub Leave a comment

Warwick, Rhode Island – September 21-23, 2018

The 2018 “Pontiac Celebration” Eastern Regional Meet was a huge success, setting all new records. Once again, our event has grown in the number of great Pontiacs showing, and the number of Pontiac hobbyists enjoying this special weekend gathering.

Not forgetting the purpose of this event– “Pontiacs with a Purpose”– many gave their time, energy, and contributions to our children’s cancer charities: Alex’s Lemonade Stand foundation for childhood cancer and The Tomorrow Fund helping children and families affected by cancer. To date nearly $50,000 has been donated by “A Pontiac Celebration” from 2010 through 2018. All because of our generous Pontiac enthusiasts. Proving how great Pontiac people are!

While a few Pontiac lovers arrived as early as Thursday to help with the event, many more rolled in Friday to participate in our area-wide “Teddy Bear Cruise” that evening. Live music, food, and drink attracted many great cars of all types, makes, and models cruising in for the fun.

The big event was the All Pontiac Car Show on Saturday. Sunny Fall weather made for a great day. We were happy to see 255 beautiful Pontiacs on the show field. Once again many local and surrounding area Pontiac Clubs came in force to make our event a huge success. We thank everyone for their support. As our event has grown in cars showing, so has the Saturday banquet awards dinner. The evening’s sprawling BBQ dinner spread was enjoyed by a hungry crowd after a full day of fun and activities. But the high point of the banquet was when the many awards were given out to all who worked so hard preparing their cars.

Top award of the evening– People’s Choice– went to Keith Bailey with his beautiful 1910 Oakland. In addition, the Vacation Raffle saw a lucky winner heading off to a luxury condo vacation in the mountains of New Hampshire. For more information about A Pontiac Celebration– 2018 visit www.PontiacRegistry.com .

National Firebird and Trans Am Club – For owners of all year Pontiac Firebirds, Trans Ams, GTAs and Firehawks