Present for the festivity was Charter member of the SNYRA and EV’s fellow racer Nick Giardina who, along with his wife Betty, served as Co-Grand Marshalls for the evenings events. (Go to the Bethel Motor Speedway website it is really worth the read) The side bar on the Bethel Speedway website noted all Ev’s accomplishments while racing from 1948 into the 1990’s. EV also raced at Bethel Speedway when the beloved Danbury closed.

EV raced with the Southern New York Racing Association (SNYRA) and was fourth on the total number victories list when this very competitive track closed. With a great deal of effort and research Mike noted the history of EV Pierce, a racer who called Danbury his home track till 1981 when the Racearena closed. Promoter Mike Hager of the Bethel Motor Speedway presented a program entitled ‘Remembering Danbury’ on Saturday, July 15th, 2017. Jarvis Jr.Ev Pierce Memorial 50 lapper -7/15/17 Sponsored by LaJoie Wrecking/Auto Parts Audio excerpts fromĪ 70 minute interview with Chick Stockwell, held by Charles I. On-Camera interviews for this production include: The documentary will also highlight the Fair's remarkable history. incorporated the Southern New York Racing Association (SNYRA) to the Racearena - featuring highly competitive auto racing that jam-packed the stands on Saturday nights throughout the summer and into October's 'Fair Week.' The documentary reminisces with celebrated drivers, car owners, fans and folks closely associated with the Fair. Leahy and Assistant General Manager Irving Jarvis Sr. 'Saturday Night at the Races,' focuses on when Fair owner John W. Over its history, the track and Racearena would feature racing of all kinds including Midget auto racing, motorcycles, speedboats, and in latter days, Stock cars and Modified stock cars. The parade would culminate on the Racearena racetrack where thousands packed the grandstand to witness the most spectacular and unique entertainemnt acts the country had to offer: The Joie Chitwood Thrill Show, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, musical acts, agricultural events, even ostrich races! From its inception, racing was an intergral part of the Fair's success, beginning with horse racing in 1869. It featured marching bands, bands on floats, horse drawn carriages, clowns, animals and themed floats and wagons being led by the famous Clydesdale horses. The daily parade was like no other, weaving about the fairgrounds. Farm stands and booth after booth of incredible wares for sale. There were tram rides that cruised the 140 plus acre grounds and of course the famous 'Big Top' that contained and entertained everything under one enormous tent fruits, flowers, vegetables, homemade pies. Arcade games & food vendors at every turn. The Fair celebrated agriculture & livestock. The Great Danbury State Fair in Danbury, Connecticut operated every October for 9/10 days, from 1869 -1981.

Danbury race arena