Cartoberfest draws crowds

NEW HARTFORD — Oktoberfest came to New Hartford in the form of more than 400 classic, antique and muscle cars on Sunday, Oct. 3, presented by Time Was Garage of New Hartford.

Cartoberfest is the largest fundraiser of the year for the New Hartford Fire Department. This was the fifth year of the event.

Michael O’Brien and Kris Kerr, the owners of Time Was Garage, were on hand at the event along with many of the employees and their families to volunteer and work at the event.

“We’re such a close family, really just a bunch of friends, with a lot of humor and great times,� O’Brien said.

Connie O’Brien, wife of Michael O’Brien, showed off her Ford Cabriolet, which her husband built for her as a gift.

“Every car has a story, and every owner loves to tell it, especially when they put the time and money into restoring their car to its original beauty,� Connie O’Brien said.

Michael O’Brien had his own car to show off as well.

“It’s a 1957 Chevy Bel Air Sport Coupe,� he said. “It’s a six-time national championship car in the restored originals category. Even the wires on the car are from 1957. It doesn’t come out much anymore, so this is a real special occasion to have it here today.�

For more information on any of the cars or how to get involved, contact or visit Time Was Garage on Route 44 in New Hartford.