WESTFIELD-As Adam Wright of Advertus Media was creating a strategic marketing plan for the city four years ago there was one planning meeting that stood out – at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport.
Adam Wright is chairing the Westfield Kiwanis Car Show & Fly-In at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport. He is seen with his 2010 Dodge Challenger STR8 with 450 horsepower. (Submitted photo).
“As we were working to help the airport with their component, airport manager Brian Barnes and I got to talking about events we could bring to the airport to help educate the public to what a world-class facility it is,” said Wright. “Both Brian and I are car nuts and thought a car show and fly-in would be a perfect match.”
Since Wright is also a member of the Westfield Kiwanis Club, he approached the club with his idea.
“I have chaired the Kiwanis and Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport sponsored event for four years and we have a tremendous hard working committee who each year steps up and makes this a success,” said Wright, recognizing fellow Kiwanians Cathy Bastible, Amanda Brodkin, Brad Cassin, George Delisle, Ciro Petruccelli, Frank Sposito, Jerry Tomasko and Ken White as indispensable to the effort.
Wright and crew will again be hosting the Kiwanis Car Show & Fly-In on Sept. 10 with gates opening at 8 a.m. at the airport. A rain date of Sept. 11 has been set. For early risers, free coffee and doughnuts will be offered from 8 to 9 a.m.
A car show entry fee is $15 and each show car will receive a free dash plaque while a spectator parking fee is $5.
“One of the most exciting things we are doing again this year is allowing people to actually run their car on the runway,” said Wright. “For those of us who have fast cars, it’s rare to actually see what they can do. This has been the most popular feature in the past and we are really looking forward to doing it again.”
For area residents who have their own planes, flying into the airport is also encouraged.
“The fly-in encourages folks who have planes who would like to display them to fly in to Barnes for the day and show them off,” said Wright. “Cars and planes just go together.”
Trophies for “dozens” of classes will be awarded with judging starting at approximately 3 p.m.
“We have trophies in a wide variety of traditional categories and some fun ones too,” said Wright. “We break down judging by categories like by decade, paint job, originality, engine, best truck, best bike, that sort of thing. But then we also have awards for the favorite of the Kiwanis club, and silly things like best dead body trunk. The point is to have fun.”
Wright noted that car show entries can range from classics and hot rods to bikes and modern tuners.
“A cool car doesn’t have to be old,” said Wright. “If you have a car you are proud of and would like to show off, we invite you to come by.” 
Wright said he is optimistic there will be more than 200 cars on display as well as some planes.
“This is a great opportunity to see the largest collection of cars in Westfield every year,” he said.
During the day there will also be a variety of food vendors – mostly specializing in barbecue – as well as beverages including beer.
“During the day we also hope to present to the public an idea of what our Kiwanis club is about and offer them an opportunity to get involved in Westfield and Southwick’s largest service organization,” said Wright.
Since 1922, the Westfield Kiwanis Club has served the communities of Westfield, Southwick and the hill towns. The club raises and distributes more than $40,000 annually to charitable causes that include programs for children and young adults. The club is best known for its annual TV auction – which celebrated its 47th year in March – as well as supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield, Westfield’s Little League baseball and softball programs, sled hockey, and soccer programs. Additionally, funds raised have purchased bicycle helmets for local school children and “Good Citizen” awards are presented to high school students in Westfield and Southwick.
On a global scale, Kiwanis International’s organization of volunteers are dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time by supporting the Eliminate Project, a joint venture between Kiwanis International and UNICEF to eradicate maternal and neo-natal tetanus, which kills more than 60,000 children and women each year.
All proceeds raised from this year’s car show and fly-in will benefit local Kiwanis charities. For more information on the event, visit www.kiwaniscarshow.com.
