President in 1995 – South Burlington, Vermont
Frank Mazur was president of the VAE in 1995, the last year of the Champlain Valley Antique and Classic Car Show which had been held at the Essex Junction Exibition Grounds for seventeen years. The “Essex Show” as it was called was traditionally held during Father’s Day weekend and attracted many car buffs and their families who loved the antique cars, fire trucks, military vehicles and modified hot rod displays. The large flea market was another popular attraction as well as the “fair food” which was available throughout the show.
Although the attendance at the show continued to grow, the increased cost to rent the fairgrounds exceeded the income and a new site had to be found. Frank thought Shelburne Museum, with their Americana theme, would be an ideal site for a car show and approached them with that suggestion. At first they were reluctant and skeptical but agreed to give it a try in 1996.
The Museum set all the rules and we jumped through every hoop they gave us but the weather cooperated and the show was a resounding success. It began with a parade of antique cars from Battery Park in Burlington to a “Taste of Vermont” reception at the Round Barn on Friday evening. Saturday and Sunday the cars were displayed throughout the Museum grounds and for the $10 admission price to the show the public was treated to two days of antique autos AND all the Museum exhibits. (The regular Museum ticket costs $17.50.) A bargain like that was hard to resist.
Over the years the name of the Shelburne Show has been changed from the Vermont Vintage Auto Exhibition to the Shelburne Classic Auto Festival but it is still the “Best Car Show in Vermont.”