2011 Desert Classic will be AROSC Concours #1! Feb. 26-27 in La Quinta

 

Featured Fun: Lunch Chez Schwartz and Wine-Down Dinner Chez McHattie

 

Start 2011 off right by joining our Alfa Romeo amalgamation at the fourth annual Desert Classic Concours d‘Elegance on February 26-27 in the lovely low desert retreat of La Quinta. The concours will be the first major car event of the year to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Indy 500, and several very special Indy racers many of us have seen at the Bothwell Collection will be part of the unique field on view.

 

This year, the pilgrimage to the Palm Springs area is an official Chapter event, and our first concours of 2011. Incoming Concours Chair Fred Firschein has a new take on how we’ll conduct our clean-car competitions and encourages all members to participate in this year’s three-show program.

 

The Desert Classic event is returning to its luxe layout on the green at La Quinta Resort and Spa and there will again be a marque corral for Alfa Romeo. Registration is $40 (one car, two persons) and the deadline is February 1.  A corral entry form can be downloaded HERE or go to www.desertconcours.com and register online. You must be in the corral on the green to be part of the club concours, for which there is a nominal entry charge.

 

The weekend will begin with Saturday’s drive to Joshua Tree for lunch at Charlie and Bonnie Schwartz’ desert hideaway. Bring your own favorite munchies; Bonnie will provide sodas, waters and setups.

 

Afterward, we will make the dash to Palm Desert , where there is a block of 15 rooms set aside for us at $109 in the pet friendly Best Western Palm Desert — just 10 minutes from the our dinner party site and concours headquarters. Reserve before February 1 to lock in the reduced rate.

 

The fun continues at dinner where Doug and Joyce McHattie will host us at their awesome adobe in La Quinta proper. Prepare for a fabulous wine-down and to be wowed by the now traditional Dougburgers!

 

Sunday’s festivities will begin at about 8 a.m. at the La Quinta Resort. Awards are scheduled to be presented after the lunch break (in the vicinity of 2 p.m.).

 

For more information and to RSVP, contact Jim & Elyse Barrett at eddinab@mindspring.com and/or call 714.964.9530 (home). We will be asking you to RSVP additionally for the Saturday portions of the event — Bonnie and Joyce will appreciate a headcount to ensure everyone’s comfort and contentment.

 

Club Corral entry deadline is February 1.   Download, print and mail the entry form, or register online. Also, please visit the event Web site, www.desertconcours.com, regularly for ongoing news and developments.

 

To book your room at the Best Western Palm Desert, call 760.340.4441 before February 1, and be sure to say you’re with the Alfa Romeo Club to secure the promised $109 rate.