sdmodelaclub.com

MODEL A RESTORERS CLUB OF SAN DIEGO INC. 

2008

 

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  Our parade script as read by our hosted communities: The Model “A” Restorers Club of San Diego has been in existence for over fifty years with a membership of over ninety families.  The clubs primary objective is to preserve and enjoy the Ford Model “A”.  Five million of these cars were built between 1928-1931 and over 250,000 Model “A”s are still on the road.  Their owners proudly display their beautiful restorations on tours throughout San Diego County and in over twenty-five public events.  Rumble seats, running boards, and their “ah-ooo-gah” horns make the Model “A” a distinctive part of automotive history.  

 

Upcoming Parades and Car Displays 

Dec. 6, 2008, Saturday, Toyland Parade and Band Competition.  We will meet at I-HOP 2169 Fenton Pkwy, Mission Valley (Costco shopping center off Friars Rd.) at 7:00 am for breakfast.  We will leave at 8:00 for our staging in North Park, parade start at 9:30 am.

Dec. 6, 2008, Saturday, Ocean Beach Holiday Parade.  We will meet at Toys-R-Us 1240 W. Morena Blvd. at 3:00.  We will leave at 3:15 for a parade start at 5:00 in Ocean Beach.

Dec. 14, 2008, Sunday, Pacific Beach Holiday Parade. We will meet at Toys-R-Us 1240 W. Morena Blvd. at 11:00.  We will leave at 11:15 for a parade start at 1:00 in Pacific Beach.

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PICTURES FROM PAST PARADES   

Oct. 4, 2008, Saturday, Alpine Viejas Days Parade, the group met at the Target parking lot in El Cajon, departed at 7:30 for a parade start at 9:00 in Alpine.  Since we were also invited to a memorial service at 11:00 for Don Thefeld back in El Cajon we were tight for time.  I made several calls to the Alpine organizers and they granted us forward spot in the parade.  Since it was forecasted to rain I stayed home with my soft top, Valarie graciously led the group to the parade and then back to El Cajon for Don’s memorial service.

       

   

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Sept. 27, 2008, Saturday, 2008 San Diego Discovery Gala. We met at Keith’s Restaurant and caravanned through the back way of Rancho Santa Fe where the estates are pretty impressive.  One thing I observed were several of them had “for sale” signs posted in front.  I guess sooner or later we all have to downsize!  We finally found the private estate, Valenti International Estate & Saddle Club of Rancho Santa Fe that was used for the San Diego Discovery Gala to fundraising to support cancer.  We strategically placed our cars around the grounds where tents were set up for the different companies that sponsored the event.  Since the theme of the event was “The Great Gatsby Era” most of us were dressed in era clothing (myself included), there were also specially hired volunteers dressed in costumes that were quite elaborate.  We ate with the volunteers which were the Costco special; sandwiches, salads and deserts; I did sneak over to the prime rib buffet line and got a real dinner plate.  Overall it was a nice event, however I felt the gala didn’t raise the $$$$$ they had hoped to.

       

        

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Sept. 7, Sunday, Classic Residence By Hyatt Display, In planning this event with Bob Weckman who used to work at the Hyatt, I thought everything would be fine.  Our sign-up sheet and my calls to perspective attendees yielded 7-8 participants, however we had fifteen A’s show up at Denny’s and two more who met us at the Hyatt. The display outside of their entry was pretty impressive; however they were not prepared to feed 30+ of us. Our lunch dilemma started when only six individuals were allowed to go into the grill for lunch at 11:30.  They waited for an hour before getting fed.  The second group of six were ready to go to the dinning room at 12:15, then word came back that anyone in shorts were not allowed to go into the dinning room, almost 75% of us were in shorts.  It’s after 1:00 and approx. 20 of us still haven’t had anything to eat, so we started to eat popcorn, a handful of us walked around the corner to Coco’s, McDonalds, and Bristol Farms for something to eat.  Some of the cars just left early and ate on the way home.  Bob and I apologize for shorting a handful of you a lunch that was promised, I’ll find a way to make it up  

        

       

        

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Sept 13, Saturday, Poway Community Days Parade, I couldn’t make the parade, so I asked Jean Anderson to lead a handful of signups.  Well, only Jean Anderson and John showed up for breakfast (one model A).  I gave her the option that if she was the only participant, she could attend or forego the parade.  Well we didn’t represent the club at Poway’s parade, we will have to do a better job next year if we are invited.  Thanks Jean Anderson for making an attempt.  

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  June 29, Sunday; The Arbors Display, we met at Keith’s Restaurant and caravanned up to Rancho Penasquitos.  Our “A’s” display together with an “oldie’s” band was actually a very nice open house event that the Arbor’s organize for their residents.  They had a nice brunch prepared, however when we went down to eat, the steak was gone, we gorged on omelets, freshly made waffles and desserts.   

       

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  July 4th, Friday;  Scripps Ranch Parade, we met at Keiths Restaurant for breakfast, but as usual I forego breakfast and polish my car in the parking lot.  As luck should happen, I end up meeting Dave Stall of KUSI who was admiring our cars, our conversation led to me soliciting club exposure for our upcoming International Model A Day.  This introduction let to our promotion with KUSI and a film segment.  We caravanned up to Scripps Ranch where we were directed to another staging area, a change in ten years, I did eventually find out the parade officials wanted our club to be visible from the start of the parade.  Scripps Ranch parade route is through their neighborhood where all its spectators do honor the fourth and are truly proud to be Americans!  We were awarded a 2nd place ribbon for the automotive category.  

       

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July 4th, Friday;  Mira Mesa Parade, after the conclusion of Scripps parade, we caravanned on down to Mira Mesa for our second parade.  Mira Mesa typically has the most tedious check-in process.  You have to check in at the entry gate, obtain your individual tickets, car entry stickers, and water stubs before you can enter.  After the usual long wait, we proceeded into our second parade through Mira Mesa.  

   

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  July 4th, Friday; Crown Valley Parade, Since I was on the other end of town, I asked Karen Wittkop to lead the Crown Valley Parade. The group met at Gentain & Victoria Park Terrace.  Sorry no pictures!

July 12th, Saturday, Descanso Parade, we met at the Target parking lot with ten cars, however the first four cars pulled out leaving behind six as we headed up on old Hwy 80 to Descanso.  We found out that Jim Kiklis’s A would not start, so AAA came to the rescue, the other cars took the freeway and caught up with us.  Descanso is a little home town community with entries of tractors, horse drawn carriages, and many equestrian groups.  After the parade we decided to tour the back way home which turned into gravel road for what seemed like being in a dust cloud for 10 miles.  Half of the group stopped at Viejas for lunch, I think they went to the Casino instead.  I know when I came home I spent at least two hours cleaning my car.

       

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July 26th, Saturday, Pine Valley Day’s Parade, the group met at the Target parking lot leaving at 7:30 to get up to Pine Valley. 

   

   

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  “Armed Forces Day” Celebration Display.  Six cars caravanned on the freeway 15 to Chula Vista where we met eight more cars.  We were well received by many of the veterans that came out to see our display.  The bar-b-q lunch was fabulous, the music was great and they even served root beer!   Thanks to all who attended and weathered the heat: