CARMEL’S CONCOURS ON THE AVENUE — A PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS

We are “car people” and thoroughly enjoy many of the events that make up the area’s internationally known Monterey Peninsula ten-day collector car gathering.

Several of these events occur on Ocean Ave. Just 3 blocks from our bungalow.

On the day of the Concours, Ocean Avenue closes to traffic and 18 blocks of downtown fill with collector cars, beautiful people and their beautiful  dogs — all showcased in front of the backdrop of Carmel’s charming shops.

I want to share last year’s event with you.

Flatbeds and trailers

 and cars driven across country by their owners start appearing all over town.

Next door our neighbor helps his Dad spiff up his Impala.

On the day of the event , we start up the street early.

In front of the Church of The Wayfarer, a young musician serenades us.

A volunteer with a sunny smile hands us water 

And provides milk bones for canine attendees.

Everybody and his dog shows up.

I love the cars but I love the dog and people-watching more.

Some visitors are more enthusiastic that others.

Volunteers help answer questions and direct traffic.

Picket fences block Ocean Ave.

We start up the south side of Ocean.

Shops are open to accommodate visitors.

They compete for the best window displays.

My favorite is this one at Alain Pinel Realtors. Half the display is inside the window  and half is outside the window, making the car seem to drive through the glass. Clever!

A street artist paints.

This Silver Dawn draws my admiring looks.

As does the Maserati.

The street becomes busier as more cars arrive and park in assigned spots.

This is a photographer’s dream and we duck camera lenses everywhere.

The quaint shops offer a unique background.

The judges look at the cars and have the owners show all working parts.

The awards stand  is covered with Tiffany-Blue boxes and smothered in a flower bank.

Chairs are set up

Providing a nice place to take a break

and people watch.

It is nearing noon and Porta Bella is the perfect spot to lunch in the center of the action.

By now the event is in full swing.

The street a sea of people.

As you may guess, this couple is showing a Ferrari

Some are beginning to tire and sit on benches

Or take a dog nap in the shade.

We take a break for lunch.

Best of Show is awarded to the 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Boaano Convertible of Robert Lee.

This year’s event is August, 14th from 10 AM to 5 PM. There is no admission charge.