I would like to tell you about an event called "Midnight at the Oasis" which is held in Yuma, Az. each year. This year it was held March 7,8,9 which was a Fri- Sun. This was my fifth year to attend this event, and we had a blast. I know that when you mention Yuma, most people have vision of dirty dry desert, and while getting there might be just that, actually it reminds many of us of Palm Springs. Where the show is, is rolling hills and golf courses, and the show is at their baseball facility so we park on the grass. Because its March the weather is usually beautiful. But the great thing about this event is that it is centered around the participants. They treat the participants very special at this event more so than any other car show I have been to.
We all drive to Yuma from Phoenix as a group and really have a great time, especially since we all go the speed limit ( as you all can imagine), truthfully its nice to be able to open the cars up a little, besides there is nothing like having a group of Pantera's pass you as a group! We arrive in Yuma and go straight to the Ball fields to pick up our registration packets and usually meet up with the San Diego Loners car club, who we have been going with for years (and yes usually they have a few Pantera's with their group). And then check into our hotel (where we get a group rate with the San Diego Loners, and save about $40 a night) which is a nice hotel for the money. They have a free happy hour for people staying at the hotel out by the pool and free Breakfast (a very full breakfast, not just cold cereal,which is also free).
The event starts with a parade for all the entrants that would like to drive their car in it ( the residents start lining the streets with their chairs 3-4 hours before the parade, this is a big event here in Yuma). And the parade ends back at the ball field where they have a free dinner ( this year was roasted Chicken Like Pollo Asada if you know what that is) and a free concert that night on the main field. This year had Rockola and a another band that played alot of 50's & 60's music. Then the next morning they serve free coffee and donuts (as much as you want) for all the entrants. Then there behind the field they have a kind of civic center where they feed all the entrants and their wife's a free Tri tip beef lunch that is fantastic. Then that night the San Diego Loners do a Carne Asada Fiesta back at the hotel for all thise that would like to come (they ask for a donation of $10 per person and it is well worth it and a lot of food). Then its back to the field for another free concert ( for the participants), this time it was Loverboy and Survivor who put on a great show. And again the next morning you hava choice of the free breakfast at the hotel or the free coffee & donuts at the show. Back to the show with the cars and then they start a brunch/lunch with more Tritip beef, sausage, eggs, etc., again all free for the entrants. And at the end of the lunch they give out their awards and pick the tickets for the raffles. And we usually head home after the awards.
The show entry was $85 dollars this year, and you recieved a dash plaque, t-shirt, the two concerts, Free breakfasts, free Friday night dinner, 2 free lunchs, all of these were all you can eat and excellent food! They had around 900 entrants this year, although I believe they announced 850 officially. The event allows people to send in their application, but it cannot be post marked before May 1st. The event is usually full within 3-4 days. They used to allow you to sign up for the next years event at the event before you left and there would only be around 50 openings left at the close to the show.But they now have the new way so they can be fair to everyone.
The Arizona Pantera club awards a 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place for stock Pantera's ( stock being a loose term), and the same for Modified Pantera's. These are not just plaques or small trophys, but nice tall trophys from 24"-30" tall. Since as with many shows like this the Pantera is not going to usually be chosen for trophys, we bring our own.
I said all of this to invite all of you who would like to take part in this great weekend with us next year, to contact me and we will be glad to include you in our packet we fed ex to the show to guarantee that we get in. Also this would include you in our group discount at the hotel. Next year will be held on March 6,7,9, 2009. Contact me and I will see that you get an entry form and if you get it back to me with your check for $85 dollars made out to " Caballeros de Yuma" and let me know what size t-shirt you would like, also you can order extra t-shirts for an additional $15 ea.. You can also enter your self if you so desire. We had 7 pantera's this year and have had as many as 12 before. We would really like to see about 20 Pantera's next year, so think about it. If we do get more than 15 Pantera's we will make 3 classes for a total of 9 trophys.
Remember that May 1st is coming fast, and even though it is still early this show has been sold out every year. This is the 17th year for the show and all the money raised at the show goes back into the community, for parks etc..
If you have any questions, you can pm me or call me at 480-694-3552
Thanks, Kevin
Original Post
