The History of the OWTS Car Show

 

It all started back in 1991 with a challenge. The OWTS Automotive Department students, under the guidance of instructor Ray Royals, were to restore a 1936 Ford flatbed that was to be entered into a competition that was being sponsored by the State Vo-Tech system. The effort sparked a huge interest, not only from Auto students, but from other students in the school. Techies Christine Palmer and Brandy Fogerty were two of the leaders of the pack that made it their lifes mission to complete the restoration in time. With backing from the Royals family of Torrington, the first ever OWTS Car Show was born.

In short time Tech instructor Tom Matulis, an avid Volkswagon afictionato, got involved and made a major push to host a Show at the school. Tom traveled the East coast to car shows, cruises and swap meets and new the in's and out's of organizing a successful Show.. In 1992, he took on the monumental task of organizing the OWTS Car Show.

The first show was held in the OWTS Athletic field with approximately 75 show cars in attendance. From the very beginning, the Show was sponsored as a family friendly event. The price to bring your car or truck, with family in tow, was an affordable $5. OWTS students who had a serious interest in the classic automobile would be seen directing cars, serving hamburgs and hotdogs and even judging their favorite vehicles.

In 1997-98, during a major school renovation, the Show was moved to Fuessenich Park in downtown Torrington. As it's popularity began to grow, so did the need for more space to show the cars.

When the Show returned to Oliver Wolcott in 1999, growing pains began to be felt. A spillover of cars could be found iin the rear parking lot and also in the middle staff parking area.Spectator parking was starting to become an issue.

In 2004, medical concerns forced Tom to step down from the organizer position. Graphics Department head Mark Eucalitto and CADD Department head Ray Tanguay decided to keep the Show alive. They consulted with Tom and the Royals family of Torrington (Royals' Garage is one of the major sponsors of the event) and decided to move the Show forward. It was decided to move the Show back to the Athletic Field.

Today, cars of all years and types are welcome to the Show, including motorcycles, go-karts, modifieds and even a dragster or two!

The monies raised at the Car Show go directly back to the students of the school in the form of the Tom Matulis Scholarship Award. It is an annual cash award that goes to any OWTS student who has a serious interest in classic cars or trucks. Next year, a second scholarship award will be added in the name of the Royals' Family of Torrington, long-time major supporters of the event.

• .