I was a bit surprised today when I went to register for the All Italian Car and Motorcycle Show in Alameda in October. There is now a $20 PER PERSON mandatory registration fee for vehicle exhibitors. It has always been free for vehicle exhibitors in the past since it is a fundraiser for Alameda Special Olympics but spectators paid for entrance.
I understand the fee is a "donation to Special Olympics" in Alameda, but it only costs $5 to walk through the gate as a spectator. Makes no sense. Sadly, I will not be driving the 117 miles to the event and spending $50 in fuel only to pay $40 to exhibit my car. The last time I attended the event, participation was way down. I don't think this will help their efforts.
John G.
1979 Spider (Owned since 2000)
1971 124 Sport Spider (Owned since 2017)
1977 Spider (Sold 2017)
1979 Spider (Disposed of in 2017)
1979 Spider (Sold 2015)
1980 Spider (Sold in 2013)
1981 Spider (Sold in 1985)
2017 Spider (Owned since 2019)
I asked a friend who like me has been going to this show for 30+ years, and apparently the founder of the show recently retired and moved away. Both he and his wife organized it every year, which was obviously a huge undertaking. Anyway, without him the show was naturally going to stop, but the Alfa club stepped in and has assumed responsibility for running it (perhaps this occurred last year since there was the change to food trucks).
I'm not sure why they felt the need for the exhibitor fee, but many of the owners were already giving donations anyway. I hope this doesn't dissuade many from attending, since the money does go to a good cause, and (personally) has always something I look forward to as an end-of-summer rite, as a nice way to bid farewell to the hot months, and welcome the coming rainy season.
