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. 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!