food for thought

My girlfriend wanted to do a non-car event this past weekend and her choice was the "Somewhere in Time" celebration at the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island. OK, OK it's kinda of chick thing but she tolerates my cars so I agreed to go. My point is this place could rival Pebble Beach for a concours. We have no major events UP here in the frozen north------------------- maybe none!! Anyway they don't allow cars on the island but a concours event may create an exception. I have traveled a bit and can assure everyone that the food and service is top shelf. If any event organizers read this thread I know it would be worth a phone call. Biggest problem I see is the fact that we would have to ferry across the straits to get there----------------------unless it was held in the winter and we could drive across the ice bridge (also known as frozen water) UP side ----low engine temps.
Ok, OK , a little bit out there but then again when I was at the Car Quest store the other morning a customer walked in and asked "whos' Lambo was parked out front" After a polite correction he replied "wrong horse" =============== Yes we live way back in the woods!!

 

I doubt those snobs would go for it. Would be neat though. A down side: horse crap in your wheel wells.

 

Probably so but then again I have to deal with Coyote crap, deer crap,porkypine,bear and wolf. and we even have some people without permission riding their horses through here---------------- and with all that I wouldn't move back to IN on a bet. For Sh---& giggles I am going to e-mail the Grand and see what the reply is. lostbowl no snow YET

 

Let us know how it goes....Eh.

 

Just received a letter from the Grand Hotel and much to my surprise they are VERY interested in giving it a go. I'm going to pass this on to the FCA and see if they want to run with it. Tom

 

Tom,

Sounds interesting, and I know people who have gone to the Grand and say it is wonderful. Just a couple of problems. First, it is too far for most folks for just a concours. When the FCA holds its national event, it has more activities than just a car show. They hold a rally and at least two days of track time (three, if you include their Friday drivers school). You can't have a rally on the island, which means ferrying all those cars back and forth for the rally. And as far as I know, there are no major race tracks within shooting distance. So without a rally or track event, why would FCA hold a major meet up there?

It's a nice idea and a beautiful place. But I suspect that it is impractical for the kind of event that would draw many Ferraristas from farther than a couple of hours away.

Sorry to throw cold water on the idea, but just being practical.

 

Steve,
I can't argue with your logic but is owning a Ferrari remotely connected to practical? A true to life concours is not a must in fact it could be a GOF. (gathering of the faithful) The best memories ,other than my club racing days, I have connected to cars were the GOFs I attended when I was active in the MG car club of Chicago.
How does this sound? We put out there a driver only event for a relaxing weekend at the Grand. NO TRAILER QUEENS! We live 7hrs. from the GH and would love the drive and have common ground for those that DRIVE their cars.
This type of event would take a year or two to put together but it would be a first of its kind and with the great service and food I feel it would not be the last.
Please, more feedback!
Tom
PS possibly a gimmick rally for the trip up?

 

I'd be game. A "GOF" is probably the most viable.

 

Guys, lets do some networking and ask for a response from the members here. If the FCA or another organization is not interested in a high profile event I would try and organize a GOF on my own with the help of anyone that would care to join in. In my past experience a low profile GOF is a hell of allot more fun than a concours and we drive ours every chance we get so there are no trailer queens here! No offense meant, TQs have their place in the universe just like evrything else. Tom
PS Sept. and Oct . offer some beautiful scenery UP here!