n July 31st, an antique car show was held in conjunction with the Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival in Moodus, CT. Tipped off by David Yager of AROC-CT, we announced the event to our members via email, since it sounded like so much fun.

And so much fun it was! Even if you’re not a fan of trad jazz, there’s no denying that it’s a spirited, happy type of music that the whole family can enjoy. The festival had four huge tents set up, with music playing continuously from all of them. There were several types of food vendors (including Cajun to complement the New Orleans-style music), lots of fun things to do (like a swimming pool and miniature golf course), festival memorabilia to be had, and you could even grab a beer.

Oh, yes—and there was a car show! There was quite an assortment of pre-1980 vehicles (I know I’m gettin’ old when 1980 is antique). The cars gathered in the morning, and at 11am we all paraded around the grounds to end up in a field next to one of the music tents. As is typical with antique car shows, much of the iron is American, but there was a good turnout of European cars (the MG club was there in force), and most all the cars were interesting. (There was, however, one Pinto station wagon; we figure that the owner bought it to save money, since it cost less than the price of admission to the festival, and car show entrants and passengers got into the festival for free!)

Representing AROC-CT were David Yager in his beautiful gray Giulia, and Rick & Laura Citrak in their equally sharp roundtail Spider. Representing AONE were Bruce & Jane Murray and Dave & Vi Pratt, who both elected to bring their 1970, uhhh, Disco Volantes. Yeah, that’s what they were—Disco Volantes.

We ended up enjoying ourselves so much that we spent six hours at the festival, walking around and admiring the cars, stopping in at the various music tents to catch a few tunes, chowing down, and strolling around the grounds. Come late afternoon, we headed homeward, having felt we’d had a most pleasurable experience.

This is an annual event, folks, so we’ll be sure to remind you of it next year. There are some really fine roads out there in eastern Connecticut to get you to and fro, and there are some great cars, music, food, and scenery while you’re there. Be sure to join us next time!

—Dave Pratt

Click here for a short trad jazz music video recorded by Bruce Murray at the festival (872KB)

(Click on the thumbnails below for a larger view,
and then use your browser's Back button)

	David Yager’s Giulia, with the young lady who organized the car show on the right
	Rick and Laura Citrak pose next to their roundtail. Rick was easily identifiable in his Giulietta Giubilee T-shirt!
	A rare Alfa Romeo Disco Volante at the corner of the field