FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                   August 21, 2007

Contact Roger Beaudoin, President Elect

Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce, 207-824-6271

BETHEL CORVETTE FESTIVAL OFF TO A FLYING START!

The Inaugural Maine Mountain Corvette Festival hosted by the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce and the Bethel Inn Resort on August 16-19^th was a success!    The event began with scenic drives on Thursday and Friday through the Evans Notch region of the White Mountain National Forest and Grafton Notch State Park returning to Bethel.  Corvette sports cars came from as far away as Rhode Island and West Virginia.

Corvettes from each of the six generations, known as C1 through C6 representing over 40 years of Corvette history, were present at the Show N Shine & Lobster Bake event Saturday on the Bethel Common.  Although the weather was overcast and windy with rain sprinkles, this did not deter from the Corvette owners enthusiasm and support for the event.  Taking top honors for “Best of Show” in each generation were:  Dale Temm of Scarborough (C1), Fred and D.C. Scherer of Greenwood (C2), Dan & Joline Tripp of South Paris (C3), Jim & Audrey Cardillo of Windsor, CT (C4), Craig Yost of Harpers Ferry, WV (C5), and Louie Barretto of Melrose, MA (C6).  Awards were also presented to Dan & Joline Tripp for “Best Paint” and John and Sukey Clark of Rumford for “Best Custom.”  Local artist, Ken Irons, created etched glass Corvette logos on beer steins for the trophies.  Door prizes were also awarded courtesy of “Corvette Central” of Sawyer, MI (www.corvettecentral.com). The Bethel Area Chamber would like to thank all who participated in and helped make the event successful!

As the newest summer event, the Maine Mountain Corvette Festival drew over 100 spectators who voted for the cars that won awards.  Local businesses reported brisk traffic during the event which ended Sunday with a Corvette parade through Bethel village.  Officer Travis Fillmore of the Bethel Police Department provided escort.

It is expected that positive word of mouth will spread throughout the network of Corvette Clubs in New England as participants speak of the beautiful mountain village, friendly hospitality, and camaraderie of Corvette enthusiasts who are not only passionate about their cars, but about the friendships they maintain through their automotive hobby.  The Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce expects that this event will only grow in size and scope each year.

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