-A Celebration-
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Introducing Gary Baretta, the cult figure for
1998. Not only is Gary the dynamic owner of two car lots,
he's also a legend in his own time. You may know him from
his award-winning cooking show and his chain of optometry
shops, but there is more, so much more. . . Left: Gary had to overcome problems at an early
age: constant nosebleeds made Gary drop out of Cub Scouts at
age 9. Right: Since he was unable to fulfill his dream to
become an Eagle scout, Gary turned to his other passion, the
banjo. It was his tireless dedication to his art that led
Gary to his first shot at fame: a solo at The Grand Ol'
Oprey when he was only 16. Left: a rare photo of Gary and his twin brother,
Garry with some college chums. Right: After college, Gary earned money on the
rodeo circuit. His brave exploits led to a comic book
series, "Bucky Baretta and the Lost Mine Riders" Left: Gary's buff bod was also the model for this
character in "All New Love and Romance" comics, aptly named
"Hairy Gary" Right: Art historians believe that Gary was also
the model for this first draft by Edvard Munch, entitled
"Ow! My Ears Hurt!" Left: Who among us does not still have nightmares
at Gary's chilling yet sensitive portrayal of The Monster in
RKO's 1962 classic "Bride of Baretta"? Right: Gary was the originator of the "Funk Banjo"
sound. He poses here at the 1973 Grammy awards with his
groundbreaking band, "Gary Vegas and The Funk-O-Lettes." Left: Never one to forget his roots, Gary still
performs magic shows for local children under the name "The
Great Baretto" Right: Fulfilling his oath to "God and country",
Gary leaps at the chance to test experimental aircraft for
the U.S. Air Force. Left: it was during this audience with the Pope
that Gary received what he calls his "great epiphany". A
giant, inflatable Santa Claus would attract more people to
his car dealerships. What better way to sell cars AND
celebrate the birth of Christ? Left: Gary is shown here with his devoted wife
Hannah. It was Hannah that got Gary's visage into many comic
books early in his career. Hannah herself knitted the
stylish belted sweater which Gary sports. Right: This year's cult figure runner up is none
other than Farina Boy. Better luck next year, Farina
Boy!
Turkey Gary by Gene R. George. Kit Cat Gary and the idea for Gary's wife Hannah came from Steve Foley.