FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11/13/2024
For further information, contact:
Susan Scully Petroni
City of Framingham Public Information Officer
spetroni@framinghamma.gov
508-782-8629
Bay State Motor Festival Contact
Ken Lemoine,
baystatemotorfestival@gmail.com
508-259-6314
City of Framingham Co-Hosting Bay State Motor Festival To Celebrate Framingham & Massachusetts Automotive History
FRAMINGHAM – The City of Framingham will be the setting for the inaugural Bay State Motor Festival on Sunday, June 8, 2025 celebrating the exciting history of automobile manufacturing in Massachusetts and showcasing classic and vintage cars from around the world.
The event is the 325th Celebration of the City of Framingham, organized in collaboration with the Framingham History Center and Bay State LLC, the creators of the Bay State Motor Festival.
This unique car show at historic Cushing Memorial Park, will include an expected display of more than 100-plus vehicles along with visual exhibitions on the history of automobiles made in Framingham and across Massachusetts.
"The Festival will serve as a cornerstone public event within the series of activities planned for Framingham's 325th birthday celebration, showcasing the centennial history of automobile manufacturing in the city," said Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky.
Of the seven million cars made in “the Bay State” (official nickname of the Commonwealth), 4.6 million were made in Framingham at the General Motors plant from 1947-1989. From 1922-1925, 2500 cars were built at the Bay State Manufacturing Company in Framingham. The last known surviving Bay State sedan will be on display at the Festival.
Along with Framingham-built (GM) Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs, Buicks and Chevys, a “Made in Massachusetts” display will feature Springfield-built Rolls-Royces, Brewsters, and Indian motorcycles; Boston-built 1792 Fire Department Thayer Hand Pumper; Waltham-built Metz, Stanley Steamer and Orient bike and buckboards; Natick-built Northway trucks; Amesbury-built Bailey Electrics; and others.
Ken Lemoine, executive director of Bay State LLC said, "Framingham has a rich history of automobile manufacturing in Massachusetts. The Bay State Motor Festival celebrates the history of the industry in Framingham and throughout Massachusetts. We’re excited to share this history, and examples of vintage and classic automobiles, with car enthusiasts and the general public.”
The Bay State Motor Festival is free for spectators to attend with free parking.
Visitors can savor a variety of delicious offerings from local food trucks, browse unique merchandise from vendors, and enjoy lively car club gatherings that promise to bring together enthusiasts from all walks of life.
“Framingham’s place in automotive history is a legacy of ingenuity and resilience, from the Baystate automobile to the General Motors plant that helped power the region’s economy for decades. The Framingham History Center is honored to support the Bay State Motor Festival in highlighting the profound impact of automotive history in a way that connects past innovations with present-day appreciation,” said Framingham History Center Executive Director Anna Tucker.
As the engines roar and stories of automotive history come to life, the Bay State Motor Festival aims to create lasting memories and inspire a new generation of car lovers.
Whether you're a devoted car aficionado or simply curious about the legacy of automotive innovation, the festival offers something for everyone.
Festival participants with vehicles to display from every era are encouraged to register on the website beginning in January 2025.
The Bay State Motor Festival has secured its first sponsorships and the event will be regionally and nationally advertised.
For more information or to inquire about becoming a sponsor or vehicle participant: visit www.baystatemotorfestival.com or email baystatemotorfestival@gmail.com
About Bay State LLC: Mission: With Massachusetts, known as the Bay State, being the birthplace of the automotive industry in the United States, the Bay State Motor Festival will promote this rich history, and preserve the stories and examples of “Made in Massachusetts” automobiles for generations to come.
About Framingham History Center: The Framingham History Center is committed to crafting community and belonging through engagement with Framingham’s past, present, and future. For nearly 150 years, the Framingham History Center has provided opportunities to explore this region’s history, and today features onsite exhibitions, public programs, a 10,000-piece artifact collection, and preservation of three historic buildings.
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