Jul 19, 2019 | Event Chronicles
10 Corvettes and many more members enjoyed traveling to Tustin, Ca. to take part in the 2nd day of the C8 Corvette Reveal. The first day was organized for the media and other dignitaries and the second day for enthusiasts and future owners of the fabulous C8 Corvette. Corvettes of Bakersfield managed to caravan all the way to the Tustin Blimp Hangars in ONE GROUP which is quite an accomplishment in the LA area. Once we got there we were amazed at the size and construction of the hangars which were built in 1942 for airship support of the US Navy coastal patrol efforts in WWII. Inside the hangar were displays of the early mid-engined Corvette concepts and experimental mules and, also, cutaways of the C8 to show the all aluminum construction. Colors and upholstery samples were also on display as well as wheel and seat options. Also on display, were C5, C6 and C7 Corvette racers. Snacks and drinks were available to munch on as we moved around the displays. There was also a presentation and films by Tadge Juechter, Chief Corvette Engineer, who was very instrumental in bringing the mid-engined Corvette C8 to life. After freshening up and taking a break, we had a very nice dinner at J. T. Schmid’s Restaurant where are we discussed our wants and desires of everything we’ve seen of the C8. It was a thrill and privilege to be one of the first to sit inside the brand-new C8 Corvette.
Click on link for more pictures on our Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/158760832@N02/albums/72157710016965637
Jul 13, 2019 | Event Chronicles
We had another great run today through the scenic roads and curves leading up to Glenville, California, through Lake Isabella and ending up at Rosemary‘s Creamery in Bakersfield. .
Glenville is a small, tiny community 30 miles north east of Bakersfield in the Greenhorn Mountain foothills, a part of the Sierra Nevada. 18 Corvettes (later joined by one more Corvette owner who is the nephew of the Greenhorn Grill’s owner) made a short pit stop at the Hiway 155 Market and Café where we met the friendliest people; the owners Edwin and Kristine. We got to sample some of their barbecue and boy was it delicious. This place is a definite ‘must stop’ for a meal in one of our future runs.
On we went up the road and over the summit to an area where we pulled over to take pictures of the beautiful countryside as a backdrop for our Corvettes. From there we headed to Lino‘s Greenhorn Grill where we met the wonderful and friendly owners, Lino and Francis and where the waitresses were outstanding and so outgoing. We had a great meal there from a full menu of steaks, tacos, sandwiches and salads and much more. What a great place to eat. Congratulations to Melanie for winning our raffle prize.
Coming down the mountain from the over 3000 foot level, we had a problem with one of the member’s older Vette overheating the brakes. As we waited for help, the rest of the members went on to Rosemary‘s Creamery in Bakersfield to enjoy some ice cream made on the premises. That was a wonderful, cool way to end a very hot day.
For more pictures, Click on this link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/158760832@N02/albums/72157709628749201
Jul 11, 2019 | Event Chronicles
It was a warm afternoon but Corvette of Bakersfield members weathered out the heat and had a great event at Chuy’s Cruise-in. Tonights event saw 19 Corvettes in attendance. Thanks to Danny Ellison and Chris Espitia for supplying the delicious root beer floats and the cool mugs.
For more pictures, Click on this link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/158760832@N02/albums/72157709628592196
Jul 9, 2019 | Event Chronicles
What a bunch of patriots we are. In tonight’s meeting we did the requisite Pledge of Allegiance and were treated to the Star-Spangled Banner by Emily Ames, niece of Larry Young, our new president for the 2019-2020 year. As the gavel was handed over by former president Bob Vella to Larry Young, we applauded and thanked Bob Vella for the excellent years of leadership that he gave the Corvettes of Bakersfield.
New members were introduced and we had a special guest, Councilman Ken Weir, who presented the oath of office to our new officers. Events and runs were discussed during our meeting and a couple of excellent video slideshows of previous runs were put together and played by Danny Ellison, backed up by his wonderful music from his band.
A big “Thank you” go out to Tony Ennis and Chevy Garza for bringing the ice cream treats and great gifts to be raffled off. Congratulations to the winners of our raffle prizes. They are Dale Frye, Mike Rouw, David Kielty and Mark Pucilowski.
For more photos, Click on this Flickr link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/158760832@N02/albums/72157710015945012
Jun 29, 2019 | Event Chronicles
Honestly, it was only meant to be a pre-run with several couples attending. Somehow things got out of hand once it was posted on the Corvettes of Bakersfield private Facebook page, “My Corvette”. Instead of just 2 or 3 Corvettes attending, we had 14 Corvettes and a truck heading towards Creston, 10 miles east of Atascadero in San Luis Obispo County. We took the long, winding Hiway 58 from Mckittrick, Ca. through the scenic hills and switchbacks to Hiway 229 just south of Hiway 41. Creston, with the population of 94, was the home of the Cardiff Stud Farm owned by the TV personality, Alex Trebeck.
The small Central Coast community of Creston was founded in March 1884 by 4 pioneers. It was named after one of the pioneers named C. J. Cressy. The town was once home to three saloons, two restaurants, a couple of delivery stables, two laundries, a pair of blacksmith shops, a hotel, bakery, post office, church, school and jail.
Once we arrived in Creston, we stopped at the restaurant named the Loading Chute.The restaurant was originally built and opened in the late 1800s where it served as a general store and offered everything from groceries, clothing and hardware to horse and farm equipment. In the 1950s, the Loading Chute was deserted and became “tumbled down and ramble shack “ according to local lore. In 1973, lifelong Creston native, Herman Heilman, bought the Loading Chute and opened a saloon, cafe and grocery store. The Loading Chute changed hands over the years several times and burned to the ground in 1992. It was completely renovated and reopened in December 1999.
It was a warm day when we arrive at The Loading Chute and we walked into the very cool restaurant. Unfortunately, we were sitting out in the rather warm patio. The service was quick and friendly by our three waitresses and the food was excellent. We had a great time with our 50-50 raffle (congratulations Bill Frye who was the winner) and sold 4 of our Corvettes of Bakersfield cookbooks to the local patrons.
Everyone looked splendid in their red club shirts, the official club color. Afterwards, 13 ‘Vetters’ drove to Cayucos and enjoyed the very cold weather by having an ice cream party outside the Cayucos Candy Counter and Ice Cream Shop. Passerby can be overheard calling us the Red Shirt Club. After strolling around and walking up and down the pier, we decided it was time to come back home. The road back home was taken by small groups going in different directions. Rolling home, our group of 5 cars determined that it was a very enjoyable run that wasn’t supposed to be; but it was.
For pictures of this run, click on this link to our Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/158760832@N02/albums/72157709523977562
Jun 22, 2019 | Event Chronicles
Last night, June 21, 2019 was the Summer Solstice event established by Don and Betsy Slauson. Don & Betsy are former members of the Orange County Corvette club and brought along this yearly celebration with them when they moved and joined the Corvettes of Bakersfield. We were blessed with an ideal (for Bakersfield) 90° weather. Normally we suffer over 100° by this time. We had an impressive turn out of 29 Corvettes and Corvette camaraderie was rampant. The Habit Burger Grill and the Pizza Press agreed to help us in a fundraiser by giving us 20% of their proceeds when somebody submits a flyer or mentions ‘Corvettes of Bakersfield’ when paying for their food. It’s always great to have a large group of Corvettes parked together for the public to see. Many a child will forever remember sitting on the seat in a Corvette. Thank you to all who have participated and brought their families to this event.
For more pictures, click on this Flickr link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/158760832@N02/albums/72157709209884248
