Hudson Valley Chapter – Fifth Annual Poughkeepsie Italian Center Festival of Fine Cars, Bikes and Food – August 4, 2019

A wonderfully warm and sunny summer day greeted the hundreds of participants in the Fourth Annual Festival of Fine Cars, Bikes and Food held on August 4, 2019, at the Italian Center in Poughkeepsie, NY.  The event began with an hour-long drive through southern Dutchess County to the Center and the many drivers were afforded an opportunity to use their cars in the manner for which they were built – spirited driving on some quiet back roads.  The cars, that included Ferrari, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Lamborghini met with a collection of Italian motorcycles from BMG Powersports who had brought some Moto Guzzi, Aprilla and Vespa machines.  This all-Italian festival gathered cars and bikes from a 1958 Lancia Aurelia to a new Ferrari Portofino courtesy of Wide World Ferrari/Maserati.  The Lancia would ultimately take first place in the Peoples Choice Awards. 

            Each year the Festival features some aspect of Italy and this year was no different.  Ms. Simona Gazzania of All About Italy addressed the gathered group during the buffet offered by the Italian Center and spoke about AAT as a platform in both hardcopy and social media formats where people can learn about Italy – its food, history, culture, architecture, arts, travel, fashion, life style, and not least of all, its glorious machines.  Also, on hand were representatives of Loacker wafers and Filicori Zechhini coffee offering samples of their products to the hundreds of spectators who’s come to see the collected cars and bikes. 

            This event has grown into a happening that is eagerly anticipated by the region.  It is a family event, and many get to see, up close and personal, for the first time, a Ferrari.  The many volunteers from the Italian Center ensured the success of the Festival by assisting with parking, registration, facility support, catering and the like.  Thank you to all.  In addition to the sponsors noted above, there were several others who contributed greatly to the festival – De’s Jewelers, Mothers car care products, Meguiar’s car care products, Hudson Valley Motorcycles, Staccato Cycle, Advance Auto Parts, and the Pirandello Institute – their contributions were greatly valued. 

            We are all looking forward to the fifth annual Festival in 2020.