Fire Department Revs Up Bedford Village Green: Slideshow

The Bedford Fire Department's second block party and car show brought friends and neighbors together who appreciated cars—and their hometown firefighters.

"I'm so thankful for what they do," Laura Macke said of the volunteers in the department, as her son Johnny slid into a low, sleek race car.  

The event took place on Saturday evening in the Village Green. But despite the ample RPM on display, a mostly laid back atmosphere prevailed, with residents taking their time to stroll up and down the road, admiring cars from classic to contemporary.

Paul Aquilino, ex-chief and event organizer, admitted to an enthusiasm for cars, including his own curvy blue corvette. "We've all got our toys," he said, "and this is our therapy."

he said, and to give back. The $10 admission fee was only to cover costs.

Allan Wiltse, also a former chief of the department, has a history of racing—he drove midget and pacer cars in the 1940s and 50s and has been a race car owner and pit crew member. He displayed cars that claimed several Indy 500 winners.

"I learned early on that staying alive took precedence over winning. You bump wheels with somebody and you learn to stay away," he said.

While Ellen Hillman of Bedford thought they were "cute," her husband, Bill, became deeply engrossed in the inner workings of a midget pacer, and lamented the loss of his own therapeutic vehicle.

"I had a 1968 GTO that I wish I had today, but when you're young you do things like sell classic cars," he said. 

Liz Friedler of Bedford was also drawn in with some personal history—she inherited a love of speed from her father and his car collection. "He called them his "babies," she said.  "But he's why I love old cars."

Cruising up from Virginia to see local friends, Tracy Williams and Joanne Castonguay held their own among the predominantly male circle of car admirers. Founders of a group called "The Chrome Divas," they admired the town as much as the show. "I love the historical look of it all," said Williams.

Bedford Volunteer firemen, Peter Lazaro echoed that sentiment. "We're only 42 miles from New York City, but you still have this small town feeling."

The fire department's next big event is the fireman's parade on July 30 at 7 p.m.