Well, we’re…
...calling it the end of our season after we debated the weather forecast today. As the forecasts came in, it looked more and more like we were going to be rained out on Saturday, and for those who'd show up, this would be more disappointing than an Instagram model up close.
We still have conflicting reports about when the rain will show up this Saturday, and for all we know, it could still be a beautiful Saturday morning, but we're betting against any accuracy in the forecast. Even NOAA has been reluctant to call it, other than to say it will rain sometime that day.
Next Saturday isn't looking so good either, and after that, we're into October, and it will be cold in the mornings, so it seems like a good time to call it for the season, even though some of you didn't get a chance to hug.
As it was, we haven't had a rainout in a while, and overall, we've had 21 events this season, which is our exact average. We get between 20 and 22 shows, and when you think about it, that's just a month short of six months of Saturdays. For those of you in Fresno, that's five months of E@RTC. We had our fun, so let's all go home and make casseroles and dream of spring.
As we look at the forecast going forward, we see nothing but rain ahead until May. Between now and then, you will certainly be standing in the yard with a leaf blower and a rake, probably until at least January. So, we hate to say it, but this wraps up our 14th year, and what a year it was! We had a lot of fun this year with a minimal amount of drama. There is always something to deal with, but we've had worse.
That window licker in the white BMW M5 won't be allowed back after that exit onto Bear Creek. They are about as welcome as syphilis. Bad behavior on exits is kind of the STD of car shows anyway, so it all sort of fits. They can go home and pimple farm in the mirror before they head off to TGI Friday's to try and impress swamp donkeys with their M5.
We have a lot of people to thank for our great season, and it begins with Redmond Town Center, who has been behind us from the beginning. It matters a lot that you shop there, so please think of them first during this Christmas season. There is something there for everyone, except maybe that terrible neighbor next door who poops on the lawn— who doesn't have a dog.
Next, we have our beloved Parking Thugs, without whom none of E@RTC would be possible. It's not just showing up and helping us land cars; there's a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into our event, so it's hours of work before our shows each season. I'll write another post where we highlight their many contributions. It's also the fun banter among them behind the scenes that makes it all really great for us.
Next, we thank all of you participants who share your cars with the world. You have a remarkable impact not just on those who love cars, but also on those who are seeking a path to success and are looking for inspiration and often advice, which is freely given while people are talking. It's amazing that more people don't use the opportunity of E@RTC to meet and become friends with all these incredible people who come out every Saturday.
Next, we have the spectators, and without you, there isn't much incentive for people to go through the trouble of bringing cars from their collections. You matter a lot, and we thank you for coming out. It's your participation that keeps the energy level high.
So, now what?
I'll keep writing for a bit, but I do take a break as we get closer to the end of the year. All the fun begins again for me in January when we update the website for our 15th year and our 16th season. We start to pin down special event days, get our list of tasks in order, and by the time it's all done, we're into April 6 when the fun begins again. Again. For some of you, you will keep reading, while others will check back in the spring like a hibernating box turtle.