May 23, 2010 - This Sunday in May began with clear skies, disturbed only by the sound of ancient four cylinder engines sputtering their way onto the judging field, looking for their assigned places in the newly mown grass. It was a day to celebrate the existence of the forebears of the modern machines we see today, the ones we see speeding silently and efficiently along the highways of this country. One by one they took their rightful place amongst their brethren, once again the objects of the same attention and praise they first enjoyed it when they were new seventy, eighty and ninety years ago.

From its very inception, Event Director and Planner, Bill O’Beirne, envisioned the 2010 edition of Brass in the Grass as a unique show designed to feature landmark vehicles built between 1900-1942. These years spanned a time when well known and not so well known manufacturers first laid the cornerstone of the industry that was responsible for putting Americans on the road, eventually making Detroit and other midwestern manufacturing sites the center of the universe.

From a 1906 Locomobile to a 1942 Packard Procurement U.S. Army car, other entries like the rare Hispano Suiza, a Cord and a DeSoto Airflow were nestled between the likes of Jewetts, Durants, Bantams, Ford Model T’s and A’s, Plymouths, Cadillacs, Jeeps, Chryslers and Harley-Davidsons, revered representatives comprising the variety of marques rarely seen at Northern California automotive events.

A significant amount of work was done to highlight the variety of entries on display. A boat dock and a beach were constructed to feature a 1939 Chris Craft speedboat, owned by Jack McManus and a 1946 Gar Wood Barrel Back speedboat, owned by Eric and Mary Drew, two mahogany boats with enough “wow power” to be featured in their own display.

Sets were also built for the feature cars with names like the “Model T Ranch” and the “Barn Yard” for Austin Bantams where nine of these rare ahead-of-their-time cars were parked including the Triple Brass in the Grass 2010 Award winner Bantam Roadster, owned by Lynn and Jan James. Also honored was the 1941 Austin Boulevard Delivery owned by Al Engel.

The award for Grand Champion went to Bill Kutella of Santa Cruz, California, who won the “Bee’s Knees” trophy with his 1929 Hispano Suiza, one of 290 built with only 12 still remaining in the world.

The spectators were treated to an afternoon of entertainment and food beginning with the “Fondettes”, who were joined by Ms. Hattie Stone, a 92 year old Navy veteran, wearing her original WAVE uniform, riding in her own Jeep. This tribute to WWII USO shows was followed by the “Moonlighters”, an 18 piece swing band and the “Wine Country Troubadours” who took everyone on an early 1900’s trip down Main Street. “Hep Jen”, a nationally recognized choreographer, was on hand to teach the Lindy Hop to those brave enough to get on the dance floor. The finalists were awarded the “Most Obnoxious Award”, in the tradition of over-the-top ballroom dance overkill as winners of Sunday’s “Dancing with the Cars” competition.

Next year’s show has already been scheduled for May 22, 2011, and will be held at the same location. Changes will be few with the exception of moving eligible vehicles up to and including 1949 a chance to compete in order to allow vehicle owners sharing the same chassis and running gear with pre-war vehicles an opportunity to share the spotlight. Additional information about next year’s show can be found at the www.brassinthegrass.com website. Plan on keeping May 22nd open in 2011 and prepare yourself to enjoy a firsthand experience amongst the automobiles you’ve only heard about or seen in books.