Fall Car Show Scheduled for Downtown Albany

ALBANY, NY (09/29/2011)(readMedia)-- Mayor Gerald D. Jennings and the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) are pleased to announce that the Downtown Albany Fall Car Show, the first ever "open air" car show in downtown Albany, will be held on Saturday, October 15 from 11 am to 4 pm.

North Pearl Street will be closed from Pine Street to Sheridan Avenue to create a safe exhibition and judging area for the show, which will showcase automobiles and motorcycles from all eras but focus on vehicles from the 50's, 60's and 70's. Organizers will strive to rekindle memories of our youth and let Downtown visitors reconnect with the cars and motorcycles that many have admired for decades.

The BID has partnered with the Saratoga Automobile Museum in organizing the show, which will be held rain or shine.

"We are excited to be partnering with the Saratoga Automobile Museum, the regional car show experts, to produce a quality event for our Capitol City," declared Georgette Steffens, Executive Director of Downtown Albany BID.

"I am extremely proud of the efforts put forth by the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District to not only bring hundreds of car enthusiasts to our Capital City, but also to showcase the one-of-a-kind venues and businesses downtown Albany has to offer," said Mayor Jennings, "I am confident that this unique outdoor car show will have a positive impact on the downtown area, and I am looking forward to another successful and family friendly Albany event."

Another Albanian who is excited about the upcoming event is Jack Yonally, owner of Lodges.

"Years back, my father managed The Boston Store in Massena and I remember that we would organize car shows," recalled Yonally, "We themed the shows old fashion days and the events became a way to unify the community. I don't remember an open air car show event ever occurring in downtown Albany and my hope is that this is the first of many similar events to come to the area."

Retailers and restaurants throughout Downtown will be open during the Car Show, with many planning on having specials and sales. Additionally, a balloon artist will be taking requests and the Devil Dawg plans on making an appearance. Music is also anticipated throughout the Downtown restaurants and pubs. An event guide will be available on the BIDs website as the event draws near. Visitors should note as well that the Downtown Albany Restaurant Week, set for Oct. 13-21, will overlap the event and provide great post-event dining options.

The event is free for spectators. Vehicles and motorcycles can be pre-registered for $10 or register the day of for $15. To register, contact Peter Perry at the Saratoga Automobile Museum at 518-587-1935 ext. 17 or e-mail peter.perry@saratogaautomuseum.org. Information is also available online at www.downtownalbany.org or by calling 518-465-2143 ext. 13.

The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) is an organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the character, vitality, and possibility of downtown Albany. Through its many programs and events, the Downtown Albany BID works to enhance the image of Albany and further its reputation as a prosperous and exciting city to live, work, and visit. For more information on the BID please visit www.downtownalbany.org.

The mission of the Saratoga Automobile Museum is to preserve, interpret and exhibit automobiles and automotive artifacts. SAM, a key program of the Saratoga Automobile Museum, is a place where children learn about cars while gearing up for life. Programs at SAM's Garage encourage non-traditional, multi-generational learning opportunities with historic automobiles for underserved children. The goal is to help students increase literacy in math, science and history, while helping them improve their desire to stay in school and develop strong leadership skills and healthy community relationships. For more information about SAM and the Museum please visit www.saratogaautomuseum.org.