Car show tradition killed in Wading River
JENNIFER GUSTAVSON PHOTO
New signs banning car shows were put up at the King Kullen
shopping center in Wading River last Thursday.
The nostalgic feel of all the classic cars lining the parking lot at King Kullen in Wading River was gone Thursday.
Quietly parked between all the modern vehicles shoppers drove to the strip mall were just a few classics.
It
was the first week since the property owner posted signs throughout his
lot warning that car shows were unwelcome, so after six years Wading
River Cruise Night was canceled Thursday.
“It’s like we’ve lost our best friend,” said regular Lee Colon, a retired police officer from Ridge.
Property
owner Charles Serota banned the impromptu car show after receiving
complaints from business owners that the vehicles were taking up too
many parking spaces.
A police car patrolled the lot Thusday night, making sure the show didn’t go on.
At
about 7 p.m. seven regulars were instead parked in downtown Riverhead
to display their cars along the Peconic waterfront, a spot where Town
Supervisor Sean Walter said they’d be welcome. Those drivers hope
others will soon join them, so the regular gathering survives.
“I think it’s an ideal location,” said Bill Mango of Aquebogue. “I just hope it takes off here.”
But not everyone will be as quick to join him.
“What am I gonna do on Thursdays?” Mr. Colon asked. “I’m not moving. I’m staying.”
