Classic cars, old music and tasty food can only mean one thing. Dad Fest has returned to the Capital Region.

“[I] enjoy being with the dads [and] enjoy being with the people,” attendee Philip Mangione said. “Everyone’s smiling. It’s a perfect day. [There’s] a lot of different cars and a lot of different things going on [that] I enjoy.”

For Mangione, Dad Fest is another opportunity to showcase his 1972 Chevelle.

Along with some of his best friends, they’re able to line the roads at Washington Park with the latest models and some of the classics.

“It puts a unique spin on the car show because the families are out here today, the children are out here looking at cars they’ve never seen before,” car show director William Schroder said. “[It] puts a whole different spin on it today.”

One of those families checking out the cars is the Shannon family. Kevin, a car enthusiast himself, says these shows have been a tradition for him.

“It’s kind of cool, especially because this is his first car show,” Shannon said. “I grew up going to them with my dad, so it’s kind of a blast to get him out here and see the show.”

And even if the cars don’t capture your attention, there was plenty to do for every dad, and family on Sunday.

“It’s nice. I spend a lot of time with the kids,” Andrew Fitzpatrick said. “So it’s nice to have a day that is really for me I guess.”

Fitzpatrick, a father of three, says he loves moments like these because he says it reminds him of why he became a dad. And when you ask him what advice he has for other potential or soon-to-be dads, he shares an important message.

“Have fun. Enjoy the good times and the bad,” Fitzpatrick said. “And know that it only gets more fun.”