By Pat Brosseau
Can we just all agree that 2020 has been [you fill in the blanks]? From a Concours perspective, Jaguar Clubs of North America have been able to host some events, mostly in the North. We held out high hopes for the International Jaguar Festival in Naples and the Sarasota show, both postponed til next year. And while the Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance, typically the first premier event of the year has postponed to 2022, it’s worthwhile to reflect on this special show and look for it’s return in 2022.
Last year, in a letter from Concours founders Rick and Rita Case they stated, “We can’t believe that it has been 15 years since we got a group of 14 of our closest car loving friends together for dinner and told them about our latest idea for another fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Clubs; a Concours d’Elegance here in South Florida to rival Pebble Beach and Amelia Island. We told them of our goal to have a great 3-day event with the primary purpose of being to raise a lot of much needed money for the less fortunate children in Broward county.” From that early goal, with Rick and Rita at the helm, they accomplished their goal. The Boca Raton Concours’ d’Elegance has become an event that car enthusiasts aspire to attend and car collectors aspire to display their vehicles. Sadly, Rick Case passed away in September. “The community just lost a pillar”, sited the many media outlets. Rick’s widow, Rita commented, “He had the intensity, the passion and positive attitude. He was truly so optimistic. His glass was always half full as opposed to half empty.” Rita has vowed to keep the legacy going.
And what a show it is. With a different vibe from both Pebble Beach and Amelia, the Boca Raton Concours combines elegance and an heir of informality that makes the event “approachable” to many. From the venue which allows easy walking access to all 150+ cars and motorcycles, to having representatives from the Boys and Girls Club volunteering on the field, the Sunday event is the culmination of a 3-day extravaganza. The Hangar Party on Friday night, a people-watchers delight, gives attendees a chance to sample culinary delights and check out the latest super-cars and executive jets. The Saturday night gala typically features A-list celebrities, with Jay Leno regularly attending as both gala host and celebrity judge. Sunday morning Concours day features our own Bill Rothermel as MC, displaying his uncanny ability to know the details of every vehicle that appears at the podium. Russell Glace, as Operations Chairman, ensures all logistics are in place and keeps us volunteers in check and at our posts!
While we are saddened that the event has moved to 2022 without it’s founder Rick Case, we are confident that the original goal of the event will prevail. With Rita at the helm, it will undoubtedly return in full vigor. Please mark your calendars for February 25, 26 and 27 2022 to join us at the 15th Annual Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance. It will be spectacular! With that, please take a look a few pictures from the archives!
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