The Pine Bush American Legion Post 1308 held its third annual car show at the Crawford park in Bullville this past weekend.

Commander Walter Olsen, who has his own fully restored 1965 Comet said the Town of Crawford and all three veteran groups from Pine Bush supported the event which was only the second car show held in Orange County this year due to coronavirus restrictions. The car show helps offset operations costs for the Legion and is a heavily attended fundraiser.

Entries were judged by Chick Gessel, Johnny Yannone, and Gerald Kosinski based on four categories with a possible best score of 20 in each. Trophies were available for the top 30 cars, street rods, motorcycles, tractors, trucks, open class, Rat Rods, military vehicles, original vehicles, 1995 – present, imports, and Jeeps.

“There are so many to look at,” Gessel said, “but cars that are completely original are my favorite.”

All were invited to participate in the 50/50 raffle as well as the tricky tray and visit the food vendors. The New York State Troopers were on-site with a seat belt simulator. Larry Cosden made the ride from Mahwah, New Jersey and said he knew about this event from previous years and looked forward to bringing his classic GTO.

An American Legion member for 40 years, Fred Nelson of Walker Valley brought his 1965 Ford Mustang (which was not included in the judging but was on hand for viewing). Nelson said, “I got the car in 1994 and changed the engine and transmission. Before I came out today I had to change a few seals. It’s garaged all the time and we don’t go very far in it and never go out in the rain. It’s a 6 cylinder, 3 speed manual, and I just enjoy it.”

Sharing a bit about himself, Nelson said he served in the Army from 1959 – 1962 in Germany and laughed, “I was there when the wall was built.”

Al Coleman of Montgomery brought his 1964 Corvette which he has owned since 2009. “I bought this car from a person in New Hampshire, but it was originally from California. The last time I was out in it was to get it inspected in May and then back in the garage. This car show is fantastic – it’s great to be here and see everyone out.”