Italian-American Club Hosts Antique Car Show [PHOTOS]

Two years ago, the Italian-American Club of Northern Westchester was on the brink of closing, a scenario dreaded by member Nicola Pinnetti.

"We decided we could not let that happen," Pinnetti, a Mount Kisco resident, said.

On Sunday, the club pulled off an event for the community in downtown Mount Kisco, as dozen of vintage cars were displayed in the Blackeby lot, and the spacebehind Village Hall, the library and old post office. The day also included an event for Columbus Day.

The array of cars came from different eras, along with colorful custom paint jobs on some. The collection's presence was made possible by Shift Masters of Westchester.

"This is the first one we did here," said Frank Russo, president of Shift Masters, which is mainly active in southern Westchester County. About 75 vehicles were brought in, he explained.

The event marks the second year in a row in which the club has paired a Columbus Day gathering, according to Filippo Simone, the club's president. Last year's event included a tie-in with Neighbors Link and it was called A Nation of Immigrants.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who lives next door in New Castle, made a surprise visit, attendees confirmed. Cuomo, who is known for being a vintage car enthusiast, even brought his classic Pontiac GTO, according to Pinnetti. Fellow local elected officials who came included Mayor Michael Cindrich and state Assemblyman Robert Castelli.

The gathering also included food from several Mount Kisco restaurants, a 50-50 raffle and trophies.

The Italian-American Club's next big event is Dec. 9 at Villa Barone in Mahopac, according to Pinnetti. It will include singing and dancing constests with prizes.

Check out our photos of the event.