Empire State Region – Hudson Valley Chapter
Second Annual Poughkeepsie Italian Center Festival of Fine Cars and Food
The sun shone brightly on the Hudson Valley on August 6 as the Second Annual Poughkeepsie Italian Center Festival of Fine Cars and Food got under way with a drive from Fishkill, NY, led by Mark Searle, winding through southern Dutchess County to the Italian Center. The event featured over two dozen Italian cars of various makes ranging from a 1959 Fiat Bianchina to the 2012 Ferrari F-12 N-Largo, one of 11 in existence, of ESR member Kris Roglieri. Joining these noteworthy steeds were several other noteworthy Ferrari, along with a few Alfa, and Fiat models.
Once everyone had had an opportunity to view and enjoy the many cars, the guests, who numbered in excess of 120, wandered into the Italian Center where a fine buffet await. As everyone was enjoying the meal, Vinnie Beltrani began his video presentation on the Italian automobile industry focusing on the passion and spirit that is evident in, not only Italian cars, but also the whole of Italian culture. Vinnie took us through the history of the Italian automobile up to the modern supercars of Ferrari and others while showing us how truly unique Italian cars are.
New this year was the People’s Choice Awards based on the popular votes of participants and spectators at the Festival. The distinguished trophies were donated by De’s Jewelers of Poughkeepsie to whom the Center is most grateful. The first place award was given to the 2012 Ferrari F-12 N-Largo, second place went to the 1959 Fiat Bianchina, and third place was awarded to the Ferrari 250 GTE of Ron Gaeta.
The Second Annual Festival was a success due, not only to those who shared their cars with us, but also because of the support of the sponsors: Wide World Ferrari of Spring Valley, NY who came with two new Ferrari for display (a GTC4 Lusso and California), De’s Jewelers and the Pirandello Institute of Poughkeepsie.
