Received a letter from Robbie concerning the OOB show this year. Part of the letter follows:
"It seems that they are rising the price for people who dont pre register to $15. It will be $10 for pre register. Also they will be only having only 2 trophies per class! This to me isn't like them. They have always had 3 trophies per class. I think if we can get enough people to band together we can get 3 trophies per class. just thought you'd like to know if you didnt know already. take care stay dry. Robbie"
If any among you would like to contact the OOB organizers to find out what gives with the trophies, contact info is...
Email at info@oldorchardbeachmaine.com
Phone at 207-934-2500
While trophies are not the most important part of a show, it does seem rather cheezy for them to charge the same fee (more if not pre-registered), while cutting back on what they offer us. Doesn't seem right. If they are going to cut the number of trophies, they should cut the entry fee, as well, or add more classes. This is nothing more than pure greed on their part, to keep more of the $$$ for themselves, at our expense.
/
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Grapevine
I want to begin by stating I did not attend the Kora show this year, so this post will simply concern observations made by many who did.
Several participants have related to me that they were angered when the "judges" never even bothered to look at their cars. In one instance, a "judge" was stopped and asked about it, and he simply said something to the effect that there were so many cars, it would take all day to look them all over, and they did not have the time.
Excuse me for saying so, but that is their JOB! If a show is going to provide "independent judging", they have TWO obligations:
1) Inspect EVERY VEHICLE completely and fairly, and
2) Use a point system that is fair to all, and followed by all judges
Anything less is nothing short of a scam. So, Kora, a heads up - you may need to look into your system of judging.
Of the dozen or so folks I spoke with (who went to Kora), most were very dissatisfied, for one or more of these reasons:
A) Inefficient, ineffective, biased or non-existant judging
B) A feeling that the winners were pre-determined
C) The food/concessions left much to be desired, and
D) Classes were, to say the least, screwed up
Again, this is not first-hand criticism, but I would be remiss if I did not post the concerns of others. I will only add that in my own post two years ago concerning my own experience with this show, the same problems seem to have survived.
If anyone from Kora reads this, please make note, as many of the folks I spoke with have stated they will never return to the Kora show. And that is not a good thing.
Meanwhile, I have not heard any complaints concerning Ossipee Valley yet, but I have heard several praises. The one issue I have heard revolves around a certain individual who still insists on class-jumping by entering his antique in Special Interest, though there is no special interest for that vehicle, and there is a legitimate class available for his vehicle.
Feel free to sing praises or raise Hell on any shows you attend.
As a final note: you all know the situation concerning our experience with Blast From The Past. And many of you have expressed that you will stop going there because you believe it was quite unfair. However, please reconsider - everyone is entitled to make mistakes, and Blast made a big one when they decided, without notice, to become "Classic" snobs (if it ain't old, it ain't nothin'). But aside from their bias and discrimination, it is a fun cruise, with lots of your friends. So, if you are fortunate enough to have a vehicle that "qualifies" for their cruise, HotKarz asks that you not spurn them just because of how they treated us. Go, enjoy! Just make sure your vehicle qualifies pre-1985, I believe.
/
Several participants have related to me that they were angered when the "judges" never even bothered to look at their cars. In one instance, a "judge" was stopped and asked about it, and he simply said something to the effect that there were so many cars, it would take all day to look them all over, and they did not have the time.
Excuse me for saying so, but that is their JOB! If a show is going to provide "independent judging", they have TWO obligations:
1) Inspect EVERY VEHICLE completely and fairly, and
2) Use a point system that is fair to all, and followed by all judges
Anything less is nothing short of a scam. So, Kora, a heads up - you may need to look into your system of judging.
Of the dozen or so folks I spoke with (who went to Kora), most were very dissatisfied, for one or more of these reasons:
A) Inefficient, ineffective, biased or non-existant judging
B) A feeling that the winners were pre-determined
C) The food/concessions left much to be desired, and
D) Classes were, to say the least, screwed up
Again, this is not first-hand criticism, but I would be remiss if I did not post the concerns of others. I will only add that in my own post two years ago concerning my own experience with this show, the same problems seem to have survived.
If anyone from Kora reads this, please make note, as many of the folks I spoke with have stated they will never return to the Kora show. And that is not a good thing.
Meanwhile, I have not heard any complaints concerning Ossipee Valley yet, but I have heard several praises. The one issue I have heard revolves around a certain individual who still insists on class-jumping by entering his antique in Special Interest, though there is no special interest for that vehicle, and there is a legitimate class available for his vehicle.
Feel free to sing praises or raise Hell on any shows you attend.
As a final note: you all know the situation concerning our experience with Blast From The Past. And many of you have expressed that you will stop going there because you believe it was quite unfair. However, please reconsider - everyone is entitled to make mistakes, and Blast made a big one when they decided, without notice, to become "Classic" snobs (if it ain't old, it ain't nothin'). But aside from their bias and discrimination, it is a fun cruise, with lots of your friends. So, if you are fortunate enough to have a vehicle that "qualifies" for their cruise, HotKarz asks that you not spurn them just because of how they treated us. Go, enjoy! Just make sure your vehicle qualifies pre-1985, I believe.
/
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Kora (Twitchell) Show
Recieved this little missive from Bill Gribizis concerning the Kora show:
"Shriners car show. Hi Bill. I went up to turner to Twitchell's air field today with my wife and daughter in a 1956 Ford pickup, and boy, were they excited to go 45 miles in the pickup. As I was on the pike before Gray, the valve guide seals let go and I smoked out Gray and Auburn - but I think I eliminated the mosquito problem. There were about 220 cars there and about 25 classes. Happy to say I got 2nd place for pickups. Ron Caruso flew in on his pontoon plane. Sorry Ron - no catagories for planes yet, but there could be up there as there are a bunch of nice ones. The food could be better. It is still hard to beat Parsonfield and Mackworth Island. We made it back motor skipping and smoking. "
Sorry to hear about the seals - I understood that only penguins blow seals.
Some folks have asked HotKarz what is up for next weekend. There are a few things posted on the calendar, but nothing really local to York county folks. If the weather is nioce, we will head up to the Paris event next Saturday - we want to check out the Bahre collection.
Two shows have been added to the calendar - the Lee & Joan Day Memorial Show, in Fryeburg (8/22) and the Mt Washington Valley Settler's Green Show in North Conway, NH (9/13).
A gallery of the Kora Shriner's show is now up, pix are courtesy of Dale Chasse.
Later...
/
"Shriners car show. Hi Bill. I went up to turner to Twitchell's air field today with my wife and daughter in a 1956 Ford pickup, and boy, were they excited to go 45 miles in the pickup. As I was on the pike before Gray, the valve guide seals let go and I smoked out Gray and Auburn - but I think I eliminated the mosquito problem. There were about 220 cars there and about 25 classes. Happy to say I got 2nd place for pickups. Ron Caruso flew in on his pontoon plane. Sorry Ron - no catagories for planes yet, but there could be up there as there are a bunch of nice ones. The food could be better. It is still hard to beat Parsonfield and Mackworth Island. We made it back motor skipping and smoking. "
Sorry to hear about the seals - I understood that only penguins blow seals.
Some folks have asked HotKarz what is up for next weekend. There are a few things posted on the calendar, but nothing really local to York county folks. If the weather is nioce, we will head up to the Paris event next Saturday - we want to check out the Bahre collection.
Two shows have been added to the calendar - the Lee & Joan Day Memorial Show, in Fryeburg (8/22) and the Mt Washington Valley Settler's Green Show in North Conway, NH (9/13).
A gallery of the Kora Shriner's show is now up, pix are courtesy of Dale Chasse.
Later...
/
Ossipee Valley
Dunno much about this one, as I was unable to attend. However, my wife, Robin, and our daughter, Christi stood in, and did a fine job.
According to them, they had a grand time. That's woman talk for good food, lots of gabbing with others.
I have posted the Winner's Circle and the Best of The Best 1st place vehicles. Please feel free to cast your votes for the Best of the Best, right from that page.
Not much to report - if you attended this show, please take a moment to add your comments, below.
Not sure why I was off my feed today - it may be the wife changed brands of coffee, because it's been tasting funny lately. (That's a joke, Val :o)
/
According to them, they had a grand time. That's woman talk for good food, lots of gabbing with others.
I have posted the Winner's Circle and the Best of The Best 1st place vehicles. Please feel free to cast your votes for the Best of the Best, right from that page.
Not much to report - if you attended this show, please take a moment to add your comments, below.
Not sure why I was off my feed today - it may be the wife changed brands of coffee, because it's been tasting funny lately. (That's a joke, Val :o)
/
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Cruise-In Excellence
On short notice, we scooted on down to the 5 points shopping center in Biddeford this evening, to attend a cruise-in hosted by Maine Coastal Cruisers. Did not know what to expect, but we were extremely pleased that we went.
The Maine Coastal Cruisers put on one helluva nice cruise. Over 100 fine vehicles, great music, warm hospitality and good humor. And if that is not enough, the location provides several fine places to eat, including the 99, TIN TIN BUFFET and Breakfast All Day.
The hours sped by all too quickly, as is always the case when having a great time. We missed not seeing Mac - I guess he was occupied elsewhere. But Dick Fritz and several of the other Coastal Cruisers provided everyone with a most excellent cruise.
There are only TWO of these cruises, and the second and final one is on Saturday, September 12. If you are not busy, you would be doing yourselves a favor by marking it on your calendar and joining in next time.
Thank you, Maine Coastal Cruisers, for a great time.
As a side note, they are also commandeering the town of Biddeford's Main Street from 3-8 PM on August 8th, for a block party. Again, if you can make it, you are assured to have a fine old time. I don't have much info on it, so if you would like to know more, grab ahold of Dick Fritz or any Maine Coastal Cruiser and shake the information outta them. It will be worth it.
/
The Maine Coastal Cruisers put on one helluva nice cruise. Over 100 fine vehicles, great music, warm hospitality and good humor. And if that is not enough, the location provides several fine places to eat, including the 99, TIN TIN BUFFET and Breakfast All Day.
The hours sped by all too quickly, as is always the case when having a great time. We missed not seeing Mac - I guess he was occupied elsewhere. But Dick Fritz and several of the other Coastal Cruisers provided everyone with a most excellent cruise.
There are only TWO of these cruises, and the second and final one is on Saturday, September 12. If you are not busy, you would be doing yourselves a favor by marking it on your calendar and joining in next time.
Thank you, Maine Coastal Cruisers, for a great time.
As a side note, they are also commandeering the town of Biddeford's Main Street from 3-8 PM on August 8th, for a block party. Again, if you can make it, you are assured to have a fine old time. I don't have much info on it, so if you would like to know more, grab ahold of Dick Fritz or any Maine Coastal Cruiser and shake the information outta them. It will be worth it.
/
Someone Does Not Want to let Go
OK, just one more, then we MOVE ON. OK? I am only answering this one because it would be rude not to.
Someone wrote:
"Okay, let ask this If you were discriminated then why wasn't you asked to leave? He didn't ask that he asked that you park on the opposite side I've been to cruises that only allow certain vehicles and mine didn't fit their criterea but they still took my money when I ate there.Their gain. Yes they are a replica and yes yours is to but it doesn't mean that it's a 1940 woodie does it?"
Allow me to try one more time. No, we were NOT excluded from the premises, but we WERE excluded from CRUISE, which was the purpose of going in the first place. Bear in mind, they did not advertise this, and they gladly took all our work and promo on their behalf, and then excluded us from the cruise. And no, ours is not a 1940 woody, but Blast is not a 1950's diner, either. It was built in 2005. They are newer than our car! Yes, they can set whatever standards they wish. But in doing so, 1) they have an obligation to ADVERTISE it as such, and 2) they have no right to treat people as second-class citizens.
Let's say you patronize a restaurant for years. And now that restaurant has become popular. So, now you arrive early, to insure a table. But some rich snob shows up. There are no tables left. The restaurant decides HE is more valuable than you, their regular customer who supported them during the lean years. HIS presence will give the restaurant an air that will attract wealthy people. They ask YOU to go eat in the kitchen, so HE can have a seat.
Don't tell me you won't feel you are being slighted, and discriminated against, because you are.
When someone comes late and gripes that he is more deserving of a space than I am, and I need to leave to make room for HIM because HE is SPECIAL, and HE has a better vehicle, then that is 100% wrong. Period. And that is what a person is doing when they complain there are too many newer cars and no room for him.
Maybe he should just get there earlier!
Now, no more on this - if you have something more to say, you will not receive a response. It's time to move on.
/
Someone wrote:
"Okay, let ask this If you were discriminated then why wasn't you asked to leave? He didn't ask that he asked that you park on the opposite side I've been to cruises that only allow certain vehicles and mine didn't fit their criterea but they still took my money when I ate there.Their gain. Yes they are a replica and yes yours is to but it doesn't mean that it's a 1940 woodie does it?"
Allow me to try one more time. No, we were NOT excluded from the premises, but we WERE excluded from CRUISE, which was the purpose of going in the first place. Bear in mind, they did not advertise this, and they gladly took all our work and promo on their behalf, and then excluded us from the cruise. And no, ours is not a 1940 woody, but Blast is not a 1950's diner, either. It was built in 2005. They are newer than our car! Yes, they can set whatever standards they wish. But in doing so, 1) they have an obligation to ADVERTISE it as such, and 2) they have no right to treat people as second-class citizens.
Let's say you patronize a restaurant for years. And now that restaurant has become popular. So, now you arrive early, to insure a table. But some rich snob shows up. There are no tables left. The restaurant decides HE is more valuable than you, their regular customer who supported them during the lean years. HIS presence will give the restaurant an air that will attract wealthy people. They ask YOU to go eat in the kitchen, so HE can have a seat.
Don't tell me you won't feel you are being slighted, and discriminated against, because you are.
When someone comes late and gripes that he is more deserving of a space than I am, and I need to leave to make room for HIM because HE is SPECIAL, and HE has a better vehicle, then that is 100% wrong. Period. And that is what a person is doing when they complain there are too many newer cars and no room for him.
Maybe he should just get there earlier!
Now, no more on this - if you have something more to say, you will not receive a response. It's time to move on.
/
Points of View
Someone sent the following comment - I found it both interesting and short on perspective:
"I was told that last year they parked to close to each other and now this year their getting complaints about to many newer cars are allowed in and theres more room for the older ones.We are Americans YOU can't keep us HAPPY no mater what you do. It's a shame that your car was too good to be parked with the late model VETTES on the other side and maybe there wasn't any room for Bill's 65 Mustang that night I don't know what I do know is the Blast is a old style diner and not to take away from your car But there were no PT CRUISERS back in the 50's or 60's. "
Not entirely sure of the point, but as far as "too many newer cars, with no room for old ones", it can just as easily be said, "too many old cars and not enough room for newer ones." As for our car being "too good to park in back with the late model Vettes", I had already stated that it had nothing to do with that - it has to do with being treated that way - told to "go sit on the back of the bus because you are not white enough to sit up front with real people." That was the message, and it is not a message I take kindly. I'll not sit on the back of the bus unless it is MY choice to do so. And I will not tolerate being treated as a second-class citizen.
And as far as there not being any PT's in the 50's and 60's, I might remind the person that this is not the 50's or 60's. And the Blast is a MODERN REPLICA of an old-style diner. Our car is a MODERN REPLICA of an old woody wagon. If Blast is so concerned about putting themselves off as "original oldies", then maybe they should have the 10 cent coke and 20 cent burger.
The point is this: the Blast is not an authentic 50's diner. If they want to wallow in pretensions, they are certainly free to do so. The problem I have with it is that they never advertised it, we have been a good supporter ever since they opened their doors, and they have readily and willingly used us to promote themselves, free of charge. And after attending their cruises for years, we are suddenly not good enough for them. The "reason" is of little consequence.
And I have a problem with that.
Imagine traveling 30 miles to go to a concert. You get in line, and when you get to the door, they tell you that you cannot go in because you are not young enough, or you are too bald, or the wrong color, sex, or went to the wrong school, or did not arrive in a limo. But hey, we'll let you sit out in the lobby and listen from there. And don't forget to spend your money at our concessions!
Discrimination is wrong, no matter how much someone may try to disguise it. As they say, you can put lipstick on a pig, but it is still a pig.
If Blast wants to believe we are not good enough for them, that is their choice. But we do not believe that anyone, or anyone's ride, is inferior or undeserving to participate in a cruise. And a cruise is supposed to be a way for car buffs to gather, and socialize with their friends. I just do not happen to agree with Blast that some people are more deserving than others, simply because of the vehicle they drive.
Now, as far as I am concerned, I am putting this behind me. The owners of Blast are free to do as they please. And I am free to do the same, and no longer allow myself to be used by them, or to be treated like that.
/
"I was told that last year they parked to close to each other and now this year their getting complaints about to many newer cars are allowed in and theres more room for the older ones.We are Americans YOU can't keep us HAPPY no mater what you do. It's a shame that your car was too good to be parked with the late model VETTES on the other side and maybe there wasn't any room for Bill's 65 Mustang that night I don't know what I do know is the Blast is a old style diner and not to take away from your car But there were no PT CRUISERS back in the 50's or 60's. "
Not entirely sure of the point, but as far as "too many newer cars, with no room for old ones", it can just as easily be said, "too many old cars and not enough room for newer ones." As for our car being "too good to park in back with the late model Vettes", I had already stated that it had nothing to do with that - it has to do with being treated that way - told to "go sit on the back of the bus because you are not white enough to sit up front with real people." That was the message, and it is not a message I take kindly. I'll not sit on the back of the bus unless it is MY choice to do so. And I will not tolerate being treated as a second-class citizen.
And as far as there not being any PT's in the 50's and 60's, I might remind the person that this is not the 50's or 60's. And the Blast is a MODERN REPLICA of an old-style diner. Our car is a MODERN REPLICA of an old woody wagon. If Blast is so concerned about putting themselves off as "original oldies", then maybe they should have the 10 cent coke and 20 cent burger.
The point is this: the Blast is not an authentic 50's diner. If they want to wallow in pretensions, they are certainly free to do so. The problem I have with it is that they never advertised it, we have been a good supporter ever since they opened their doors, and they have readily and willingly used us to promote themselves, free of charge. And after attending their cruises for years, we are suddenly not good enough for them. The "reason" is of little consequence.
And I have a problem with that.
Imagine traveling 30 miles to go to a concert. You get in line, and when you get to the door, they tell you that you cannot go in because you are not young enough, or you are too bald, or the wrong color, sex, or went to the wrong school, or did not arrive in a limo. But hey, we'll let you sit out in the lobby and listen from there. And don't forget to spend your money at our concessions!
Discrimination is wrong, no matter how much someone may try to disguise it. As they say, you can put lipstick on a pig, but it is still a pig.
If Blast wants to believe we are not good enough for them, that is their choice. But we do not believe that anyone, or anyone's ride, is inferior or undeserving to participate in a cruise. And a cruise is supposed to be a way for car buffs to gather, and socialize with their friends. I just do not happen to agree with Blast that some people are more deserving than others, simply because of the vehicle they drive.
Now, as far as I am concerned, I am putting this behind me. The owners of Blast are free to do as they please. And I am free to do the same, and no longer allow myself to be used by them, or to be treated like that.
/
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