By Maddy Vitale
Constant rains pelted the Ocean City Boardwalk. It left those who ogled Corvettes on display to don umbrellas.
But the rains just beaded off the pristine, glossy, gleaming displays of cars that represent the best of American motors.
Now in its 28th year, the event is organized and sponsored by Boardwalk Corvettes of Atlantic City. It is considered one of the top five Corvette shows in the country, organizers said.
Carrie Dickinson, co-chairwoman of the Boardwalk Corvettes, said there were 480 cars registered but the rains scared away some owners.
“On a day like this, it is incredible we had this many people,” Dickinson said. “It is a huge event. It’s a lot of fun. We do it for people to have a great time with their cars and to raise money for charities.”
Proceeds from registration fees benefit local charities, including the Ocean City Humane Society.
Jim Root, a Humane Society board member and volunteer, said no matter how much or how little money would be raised Sunday, the event is about bringing the community together to have a good time and donate to good causes.
Corvettes lined the Boardwalk in an awesome display of America’s supercar between Sixth and 14th streets. There was a combination of new and vintage Vettes.
Ken and Peggy Mattis, of Ocean City and Upper Gwynedd Township, Pa., drove their 1999 C5 Corvette to be in the show.
“I grew up on Corvettes. They are fun to drive. The roof comes off your hair blows in the breeze,” Ken Mattis said.
“It is fun to drive,” Peggy Mattis said with a smile.
When asked if they had another Corvette, Ken Mattis said with a laugh, “One is enough for now.”
But Dean Ferraro, of Levittown, Pa., enjoys the fact that he has two Vettes – a 1970 and a 2006.
“My 1970 is one of the best years for Vettes,” Ferraro said. “They are just awesome cars.”
Jeff Maher, of Linwood, and his daughter Charlie, 2, admired a 2006 Corvette. Maher said he and his family come to the show every year. He hopes he will be able to get his 1985 Corvette on the road and into the show by next year.
Mike Boguszewski, of Washington Township, N.J., wore a Jeep hat. But it was no secret he loved the Corvettes that graced the Boardwalk.
He and his daughter, Layla, 3, checked out some Vettes. “I like Vettes. I just wish it was a nicer day,” he said.
And while the theme of this year’s show was “Endless Summer,” it seemed nothing of the sort, with temperatures in the 60s and continual rains.
Despite the downpour, Deb Harris was happy to show off her bright red 2005 Vette.
“We come every year,” Harris, of Lewes, Del., said of she and her husband, Rich. “This is an awful year because of the weather, but at least the proceeds go to a good cause.”
