by Jessyca Cardinell
There was fun to be had by all in the Oxbow Park as the Oxbow Fire Company Inc. hosted its first ever Car Show event.
“This event is a good old-fashioned family fun day, a chance for families to get out together and enjoy themselves,” said Anne Potter, event organizer and Assistant Fire Chief of Oxbow Fire Company.
There were a great variety of tractors, vehicles, motorcycles and other recreational vehicles, from antique to unique, they had it all. People traveled from near and far, including Canada, to be a part of this show.
As the car show was in full swing, Oxbow fire fighter Cody Young, the DJ, offered a variety of great music for all to enjoy throughout the day.
There were children's activities to keep youngsters having a blast, including a bounce house, playground, face painting by Audrey Martin and a dime toss run by Kylie Mandigo. The Rossie Community Center donated three boxes of dishes for the dime toss at Car Show.
Several vendors were ready with samples to try and items to buy, including Darrel and Teresa Whitton of Gouverneur with their Wildlife Wonders, Paparazzi Jewelry with Kaitlyn Thorne, Jessica LeFevre of Gouverneur selling Kitcheneez meal mixes and homemade sides, Diplicious with Kathy Goodwin, Avon representative April Louis of Philadelphia, Linda Strate of Gouverneur offered Mix Party samples to try and oils to buy.
Bea Murdock of DeKalb offered a variety of yard sale items, Brandy French of Macomb selling beautiful homemade items, Todd and Lisa McIntosh had tables filled with stainless steel jewelry and many other items. Justine Wagner was set up with her Justine's Creative Crafts tables.
The fire department had a grill and refreshment table set up in the park for those who needed a bite to eat and a drink to cool down, with Culleen Mandigo on food prep.
A 50/50 raffle was available for the adults who wanted to take a chance at winning big. The community yard sales were in full swing, for those who love to seek out treasures and good deals. The fire hall offered a place to escape the heat and enjoy a delicious chicken barbeque meal.
Scott “Vern” Cunningham (Fire Fighter of the Year) although still going through cancer treatments, came out and supported his fellow brothers and sisters of the fire company, helping in any way he could.
Angie Walsh said of Mr. Cunningham, “He had cancer a few years back and there was a huge benefit in Oxbow at the Fire Hall called VernFest. That's our Vern! Still kicking cancer's butt while fighting fires, or whatever is needed by his community in crisis!”
Mrs. Potter said not only did all the fire company members work very hard but also the community itself. “This was a community wide effort to bring this all together.” Mrs. Potter added, “What sets the Oxbow Fire Company apart from the rest, is the real brother and sisterhood we have. We all treat each other with respect as if we were real brothers and sisters. When that whistle blows we all come together to get the job done and the same is true when there is an event in the community, we're all there ready to work.”
As the day went on, many awards were given out for those who participated in the car show and what made this so unique and wonderful was some of the award winners were selected by the children at the car show.
Motorcycle Award
Two sisters Makenzie and Natalie Farrell of LaFargeville, NY selected a kid’s choice award that was very sentimental to the Oxbow Fire Company for the late Dean Mitchell's Slingshot motorcycle. Dean had been a member of the Oxbow Fire Company for around 20 years before his sudden tragic passing this May. Mr. Mitchell's wife Sandy requested that her son John Bango, who has his motorcycle license, show the motorcycle in this car show in honor of Mr. Mitchell, who she said would not have missed this event.
Oxbow Historical
Association Award
Wendell Canfield for his 1929 Ford Mode-A with Sears Tractor kit.
Mr. Canfield used this tractor to relocate the historical building to present location many years ago.
Oxbow Fire
Company Award
Doug and Lynn Shoulette for their 1968 blue Pontiac GTX
Antwerp Town
Supervisor Award
Presented by Jack Shaw, supervisor, to John Smith of Gouverneur for his 1925 Model-T Ford Truck, all-original.
The Chief's Award
An antique fire hose nozzle engraved by Sonny Mandigo, presented to David McCarter of Depauville, N.Y. for his 1941 vivid lime green Ford custom convertible
Kid's Choice Awards
Tractor Award
Selected and presented by Abbey Sampson to Leo Rastley of Rossie, N.Y. for his 1938 John Deere
Snowmobile Award
Selected and presented by little Sandy to Jeff Drawn's 1973 Polaris 400 Custom
Antique Car Award
Selected and chosen by a young man named Adam to Eli Tracey for his 1926 Model-T Ford Car
Late Comer Award
For the last car to arrive at the show presented by Oxbow Fire Company President Ryan Hays and Vice President Angie Walsh to Harold Walsh of Rossie N.Y. for his 1975 Corvette Stingray
Wonderful job Oxbow Fire Company and all others throughout the community for putting this event together!
Assistant Chief Anne Potter and Vice President Angie Walsh for all of your hard work and efforts to make this day a success.
Kudos to all those who came out to support the Oxbow Fire Company! Congratulations to all award winners and youngsters who were able to help out and select winners!