Summit Downtown, Inc. Celebrates a Resounding Success!
The streets of Summit came alive with creativity, classic cars, and community spirit during the Arts & Cars Downtown Art Festival and Classic Car Show held on Sunday, September 17. The event, organized by Summit Downtown, Inc. (SDI), and The Visual Arts Center of NJ attracted nearly 6,000 attendees and received rave reviews from participants and spectators alike. The car show was sponsored by the Summit Elks Lodge #1246. “We couldn’t be happier with the turnout and the energy at this year’s Arts & Cars,” said Nancy Adams, Executive Director of SDI. “This event is a testament to the power of art, live music, and car traditions to bring our community together.”
Visitors had the opportunity to engage with artists, learn about the history of classic cars, and immerse themselves in the rich culture of Summit. Kicking off the day was viral star Candice Lee and her full band bringing lively pop tunes, followed by the rock music of Carnival Dogs, rounding out the fun with a big band sound was Rusty Monks. Special thanks to our music sponsors Boxcar & M&T Bank and Peotter’s Auto Body & Spa for their entertainment sponsorship. Delicious eats from Summit favorites The Meat House, Puras Paletas, Pizza Vita and more could be found in Food Truck Alley on Bank Street with the new addition of Mo’ Dough, a big hit!
With a stunning display of art and wares for sale and the kids’ activity area, Springfield Avenue was bustling with activity. The artists included jewelers, painters, potters and more as part of the Arts Festival and was organized by the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey. Kids’ activities were provided by the Summit YMCA, The Connection, Henna by Helen, FPC Racing, Robot Revolution, Spin Art, Krazy Kevin and more with exciting interactive activities for many ages. The Summit Elks Classic Car Show had over 85 classic cars, trucks and unique vehicles including a Mack truck and the brand-new Summit First Aid Rescue Truck lining the streets to the enjoyment of hundreds of appreciative admirers. George Roeck, Best in Show winner with a 1952 Buick Roadmaster, added, “I’m thrilled to be recognized, this is a wonderful show and the enthusiasm of the crowd and the appreciation for automotive history were exciting.”
SDI rounded out the day by turning the Bank Street parking lot into a Beer & Wine Garden featuring wines donated by downtown Summit’s Cambridge Wines and draft beers donated by Peerless Beverage. Community volunteers poured beverages for the thousands of guests. Summit Street Sounds favorites Zuko, Phillips, Cohn and Starr and Sabrinna Dias filled the garden with lively music all afternoon while kids and adults played cornhole or danced to the music.
SDI thanks all of the attendees, sponsors, vendors, and the city departments that assist in this event including the Department of Public Works, Parking Services, Summit Police and the Clerk’s office. SDI works with the City of Summit on many initiatives in its day-to-day management of the downtown Special Improvement District while creating events to draw people downtown and marketing initiatives to promote the businesses and the whole district to the surrounding market. These valuable partnerships make Summit a wonderful place to live, work, play.