Since I last reported, Summer has really arrived with some wonderful (read Hot) weather here in the Chicagoland area. During the month of June we had many events – so many in fact, that I actually couldn’t attend all of them. But here is what I did attend and what my observations were.

On June 12th Carol and Carl Armand put on a simply wonderful evening at Ravinia with dinner under our own tent and Pavilion seats to see Steve Martin and his bluegrass band the Steep Canyon Rangers. I know the event was a sell-out with over 80 people in attendance. Even though the weather looked like rain, we had quite a few Porsches in our reserved parking lot. Toby Duckett even brought a towel to dry the few rain drops off his pretty RS America before we went into the park. I guess no one told him this wasn’t a Concours event! The only rain that fell was while we were having dinner under the tent and by the time we walked over to the Pavilion it had stopped. I know we all really enjoyed both the dinner and the concert. The food was really great and Steve martin was, well, a very good banjo player and was also quite funny. For those who waited too long to get into this event, if you ever get another chance to see Steve Martin play with his band – you absolutely must go. A big thank you to Carol and Carl for organizing such a wonderful evening.

Even though I couldn’t attend the Charity Porsche Parade and Car Show on June 13th, I heard the event was quite well attended and everyone had a very nice time. Lots of great Porsches being shown for a great charity – The Hope Children’s Hospital.

Jeannie and I were all set to attend the Mix ‘N Mingle Social event on June 18th at McCormick & Schmick’s in Oak Brook since we had such a great time at the first such event at Pappedeaux in April. That is, until the storm blew in with huge rains, high winds and lots of damage. It was so bad that we decided to keep our cars safe and sound inside the garage rather than put them at risk outside in the horrible weather. So we ended up having dinner in the basement away from any windows.  Carol and Carl Armand braved the weather and told me there were quite a few others who did the same. I think there were around 30-35 people who did brave the weather and they told me everyone had a very nice time.

Then on Sunday, June 20th we had our annual Concours event in beautiful historic Long Grove. We had so many cars the normal parking area couldn’t hold them all. I didn’t actually do a car count but I’ve got to believe we had over 50 very nice cars. The weather really cooperated and John Diwik and all of the volunteers did a great job of running this annual event. I only wish I had brought my ’79 Turbo to show since it is such a wonderful setting for a Concours.

As I write this we are right in the middle of Porsche Parade week, held this year in St. Charles at Pheasant Run. All I can say is with all the functions I am totally exhausted and I’m not even competing in any of the events.

Parade began on Saturday and I spent most of the day just walking around the parking lots looking a wonderful cars from all over the country. Then I took a stroll over to the Concours prep area to see what the “Real Crazies” were up to. All I can say is – I have never seen so many beautifully prepared Porsches in one place – Ever. I ended up running into long time Chicago Region member, Jim Becker and we walked around together looking at all of these really great cars. And for those of you who know Jim – I heard a weeks worth of his “Jokes De Jour”. Then I attended the PCA National Board Meeting after which we boarded the bus to go over to DuPage County Airport for the Welcome Party.  The theme was like a mini-Taste of Chicago with Chicago Style Hot Dogs, Italian Beef Sandwiches, Malnotti’s Deep Dish Pizza, and Eli’s Cheesecake. All of this plus more wonderful Porsches and unbelievable airplanes in an enormous hanger. It sure looked like the assembled throng had a very enjoyable time. Congratulations to Pat Yanahan, Jim Drury and the many volunteers from Chicago Region for hosting such a nice evening.

Then on Sunday, we went to the Concours which was held on the Golf Course at Pheasant Run. Now I could see all these wonderful Porsches under the gleaming sunlight rather than the artificial light of the Concours Prep Building. Even though it was quite hot, there was a wonderful breeze and just a glorious day to be outside. We had arranged to have the Concours box lunch which was served in the Mega Center. We had run into our long time friends and Chicago Region members, Debbie and Bill Samp; so we enjoyed talking to them and had lunch in the air conditioning. After lunch the girls decided they needed to make a trip over to the Goodie Store to see long time friend (and outstanding jeweler) Russ Wiley from Colorado Springs. I think I dodged a bullet as nothing was actually purchased or ordered – at least yet. Just as the Concours was winding down the dark clouds rolled in so we took Max (the ‘79 Turbo) home to get out of the rain.

Just enough time for a quick nap, a shower, a change of clothes and then back to St. Charles for the Presidents Reception. This lovely event was held in the beautiful Baker Hotel which is situated on the Fox River in downtown St. Charles. After a wonderful cocktail hour and dinner we sat outside to enjoy the Fire Works display.

Monday was actually kind of a relaxing day. Washed the Turbo, did a little yard work and then got cleaned up to go to the Zone 13 party that Ken Hold, our Zone Rep, and I were hosting. Jeannie had arranged to hold this party at On the Border which is a nice Mexican restaurant very near Pheasant Run. We had 80 people attend this little get together for some great Mexican Appetizers and a little libation. When this party ended we then went back to Pheasant Run for the pre-Concours Banquet cocktail hour. Are you getting the feeling that all we do at Parade is Eat and Drink? Yep, you’d be right!! Then, the Concours Banquest itself where several dignitaries from Porsche spoke including Hans Peter Porsche. And of course, the back of the hall had all the class winning Porsches from the Concours. What a great evening!

The rest of this week is not quite so packed with functions. Just the Tech Quiz on Thursday morning and all-day Friday at Autobahn for our DE event. And then, the final Victory Banquet at Pheasant Run on Friday evening. Just think what it would be like if I were actually competing in the Concours, Rallye, Autocross, Golf event etc. Now you get the picture of what the Porsche Parade is all about. I think next week will be diet time and I may just sign up for the Betty Ford Clinic (just kidding).

If you missed any of these events we have many more planned for the rest of July: Autocross 3 on July 11th at the Tire Rack in N.W. Indiana, Rallye 2 on July 18th, a DE at Blackhawk Farms on July 22nd, Potters Picnic on July 25th held, as usual, at Peter Fischer’s wonderful home in Grayslake, and our annual 2-day DE at GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, MI on July 31st – August 1st. This last event will feature the newly reconfigured (read longer and faster) GingerMan track.  As I said last month, please sign up early as many of these events sell out quickly.

Enjoy the great summer weather by taking your Porsche out for a drive. Or better yet bring it to one of our upcoming events.

Remember, It’s not just the Cars, it’s the People.

John Ruther