2005 Family Picnic and Wash and Shine Concours
Article and Photos by Dave Burton
Sunday, August 21st found us gathering at Springdale Park in Birmingham for
our annual picnic. The weather we enjoyed was perfect and a strong contrast to
the weather during the Woodward Dream Cruise, held the day before. Of
course, we’ve been holding this picnic for a lot more years than the Dream
Cruise, so our weather reservation is honored first. Dennis and Sue Denyer
once again took up the reins as our hosts and made it all seem so simple and
effortless. Coordinating the dishes to be brought by the individual members
and the caterers along with making sure that breakfast foods are balanced with
appetizers, the main lunch courses and dessert. Beverages from water and soft
drinks through iced tea and coffee were accounted for and they even provided a
pitcher of Bellinis (Italian Mimosas).
While Sue and Dennis, assisted by Dick and Barb McLaughlin along with their
daughter Amy, were setting up the picnic, the cars poured in and their owners
swarmed over them, cleaning and polishing, buffing and shining until they
shone like jewels under the summer sun. In conjunction with the picnic, Fred
Young was running a topside concours with some very handsome trophies in
the offing. Word spread and this year we had an international event with
entrants from far and wide (Windsor counts). It was neat seeing everyone (well,
most everyone) bent over cleaning their pride and joy. Soon enough, just like a
final exam, it was “towels down” and the judging began.
Fred had conscripted a number of experienced national (and a few notorious
local) judges to assist in the evaluation including Ted Dunham, Bob Amano, Bill
Blacklock, Jerry Door, Dennis Denyer, Bill Block and Freda Giblin. The judging
was split into different classes representing the different eras of Porsche
automobiles. Even with the division of labor, the large field of cars entered took
a while to work through. Some of the decisions were very close and required
repeat inspections to split hairs and declare the winners.
Lunch was delicious with broasted chicken and potatoes, barbeque ribs, salads
and slaws, beans and franks, sausage, ham, and more. The park structure was
filled with laughing diners, enjoying the food and each other’s company.
Meanwhile, the Goodie Store had been set up in the corner by Ken and Judy
Janicki and was doing a brisk shopping trade. Through it all, friends new and
old were renewing acquaintances and bringing each other up on news of
families and cars.
Make no mistake, some of these cars are family. Gary Ambrus brought
daughter Stephanie in his new 911 (ex of Ted Dunham), Amber Door brought
her family in her new 911 (ex of John Denyer), while Nick Moskatow brought
out his 914-6 (ex of Neil Goldberg). These are all cars we’ve known and grown
up with - raised in good homes and now gone to good homes - and it’s great to
see them back in the neighborhood again.
We had a great turnout of members and cars for the picnic and concours. I saw
a lot of folks that I see at many events yet I saw even more that I didn’t
recognize, which tells me our outreach to the newer member is paying
dividends. It’s wonderful to see new members joining in and testing the waters
- they find out that the regulars don’t bite - and we love to get to know them
(and their cars). After a variety of desserts, it was time to announce the
winners of the concours. President Patti Door thanked the Dennis and Sue, Fred
and his judges, and the members who brought their favorite dishes.
Fred Young took over and awarded the prizes for the 6 classes. All in all, 20
members walked away with beautiful marble trophies carrying the engraved
award and the club’s own cloisonné badge.
In the huge field of Porsches, we had a couple of lovely red interlopers try to
crash the party, a 1948 MG TC and a 1971 Hemi Cuda convertible. Sadly, there
were no awards for the “Porsche Envy” class.
It was truly a great day with warm friends, lovely surroundings, wonderful food
and terrific weather. Thanks again to Dennis, Sue and Fred - Great Job!
Click on thumbnails for a larger view.
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