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Community Corner

West Islip Steps Back in Time With Annual Car Show

Popular event draws large crowd, more than 1,400 vehicles.

With the rumbling of engines and lingering stench of burnt rubber, it was obvious the "Blast From The Past" Car Show had returned once again to the fields outside the West Islip Public Library, attracting hundreds of spectators from around Long Island.

Ray Rendina, president of the Long Island Road Gents Car Club and co-founder of the event, is marking the show's sixth year anniversary, this time without a special friend.  

"Joe DiPalma and I started the show over cookies and milk," he said. "It wasn't supposed to happen, but it did...and it's happening big-time."

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The first year, Rendina and DiPalma—former president of the West Islip Chamber of Commerce who passed away this past April—had to scour the streets to find sponsors and participants. In contrast, this year's show drew more than 1,400 vehicles.

Rendina noted that all proceeds of the car show are given to the West Islip Chamber of Commerce to help the community. Last year the show raised $10,000.

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"Some money goes to Lionheart, a charitable organization that gives holiday support for families in need," he said. "There's also scholarships, as well as many other causes."

This year's show was an especially emotional one for Rendina.

"Joe DiPalma passed away in April," he said. "He was like my brother, and this year's show is in memoriam to him."

Many community groups were present at the car show. Among them was the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition, represented by its President, Patricia Licata.

"We're here to raise awareness," she said. "We will help anyone on Long Island who has breast cancer, regardless if they're in West Islip or not."

As for the car owners, Tom Arcese proudly stood before his flame-covered, orange-and-grey 1941 Willy's coupe, one of the standout cars of the show.

"It's fully customized," he said. "It's got a 540 big-block Chevy with an 871 blower, pushing 850 horsepower. Corvette seats, 2,500 watt stereo system, iPod dock, and a Nintendo Wii in the trunk."

Jimmy Darconte, inspired by an episode of "The Munsters" he saw as a child, built his own car from scratch...out of a coffin.

"I couldn't buy the original," he said. "So I bought a coffin, and built my own!"

Thomas G's "Draguar," a Jaguar with small-block 350 engine, combines luxury and all out muscle in one unique, eye-catching package. But don't think he goes out breaking speed limits in his souped-up ride.

"All the local cops and State troopers know the car by now," he said. "If I get pulled over, it's the only one around, so everyone knows it's me."

Live music was provided throughout the day by the likes of Champagne, Heat Wave, and "Long Island's Doo-Wop Princess," Kayla Starr.

Although this year's "Blast From the Past" was difficult for Rendina due to the passing of his friend DiPalma, he found comfort in the positive effect the show continues to have on West Islip.

"It's all about the impact that this show has on people," he said. "It's all about the community, and the people in it."

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