 | | | "On week-ends his Rolls-Royce became an omnibus, bearing parties to and from the city between nine in the morning and long past midnight, while his station wagon scampered like a brisk yellow bug to meet all trains." (F. Scott Fitzgerald, "The Great Gatsby").
Photo Ohlen Alexander
| | | | | | There was music from my neighbor's house through the summer nights. In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars. - F. Scott Fitzgerald, "The Great Gatsby"
Orinda's annual car shows are known as much for their goodwill as their glam, and this year's event will be no exception. Kicking off in grand style with a Great Gatsby-themed gala Sept. 20, the 2013 Orinda Classic Car Show will evoke the town's storied days with the connected and their casinos. Beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, modern day toughs will gallantly offer arms to their bejeweled brunettes while bathtub gin and other prohibition-era potions flow freely for dancing denizens at the Club 26 speakeasy (the Orinda Library at 26 Orinda Way). Dinner, dessert and a private showing of classic rides are also on tap.
Family fun will rule day two as the car show shifts into high gear on Saturday. With free admission, kids of all ages will chow down on barbecue and other taste treats while checking out cars displayed from the Orinda Village to the 16th fairway at the Orinda Country Club.
The whirlwind will subside Sept. 22 as car fans and film buffs leave the sure-to-be-packed Orinda Theatre after catching "Speed on the Screen," a dynamic double feature of the adrenalin rush, "Gone in 60 seconds," and itsY2K remake with Nicholas Cage and Angelina Jolie.
Started by Orindan Chip Herman in 2005, the annual festival is presented by Orinda Motors. Proceeds support Orinda's Historical Society, Arts Council and Chamber of Commerce, the Educational Foundation of Orinda, Orinda Association, Seniors Around Town, and other key community programs. Sponsors for 2013 include the Lamorinda Weekly and Orinda News, Safeway, Pulte Homes, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and Park Place Wealth Advisors, John Muir Health and Aetna, Clark Thompson and Village Associates Real Estate, Capture Technologies, FedEx Office, Bay Cities Paving and Grading, Berry Brothers Orinda Tow, and Mechanics Bank.
Film, fast cars and fascinating conversation. Gatsby and Fitzgerald were dead right: "Life starts over again when it gets crisp in the fall."
For directions, times and ticket information, visit www.orindacarshow.com.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA