The nationally acclaimed St. Michaels Concours d’ Elegance will hold its Second Annual event on Sunday, September 28, 2008. The event will be held on the waterside lawn of the Inn at Perry Cabin and Spa, in St. Michaels, M.D. All proceeds from the event will benefit the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula.

“This year we will feature ‘The Best of the Best’,” said George M. Walish, Jr., Chairman and Founder of the event. “We will be host to 50 award-winning automobiles, 1900-1942, from major Concours events throughout the country.”

Once again this year, attendees will enjoy the fusion of art, fashion, and grand classic automobiles with famous marques such as Alfa-Romeo, Bentley, Bugatti, Cadillac, Cord, Delahye, Duesenberg, Hispano-Suiza, Packard, Talbot-Lago, and Rolls-Royce among others.

The presenting sponsor of the event will be Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Other sponsors to date include: Grundy Worldwide, Orient Express Hotels, Trains, and Cruises, American Asian Trade Center (AATC) of Baltimore, Hinckley Yachts, Euro Motorcars of Bethesda, Maryland, Delmarva Power, Chesapeake Bay Move (Dana Eggert), M & T Bank, Morgan Stanley, Marea-St. Michaels, Washington Fine Properties, WCEI Radio and “What’s Up Eastern Shore” magazine.

Grundy Worldwide has been on board with the St. Michaels Concours since its inaugural event, last year.  This year, Grundy’s gift to the participants will be customized canvas tote bags. 

In addition to the company’s participation in the event, Grundy’s President, Jim Grundy, Jr., will enter two of his vehicles—an award-winning 1912 National Speedcar and 1948 Dodge Power Wagon. During the 2007 St. Michaels Concours event, Jim’s 1915 Mercer Raceabout won a class award.

Friends of Grundy, Gale and Henry Petronis of Royal Oak, M.D., have been named Honorary Chair Persons of this year’s event.

“This is an opportunity to recognize Henry and Gale for their significant contributions to the classic car hobby,” said George M. Walish Jr., Chairman and Founder of the event. “Henry and Gale have opened their incredible collection to an untold number of automobile clubs, organizations, and groups over the years.”

“They have truly offered hospitality and camaraderie to so many…it is only befitting that they were selected to be our Honorary Chair Persons,” he continues. “The St. Michaels Concours d’ Elegance would not have been possible without their generous support.”

For 2008, the Concours’ calendar of events has been expanded to include a limited number of tickets to the Gala Fundraising Dinner on Saturday evening, September 27th. The event schedule is as follows:

Friday, September 26, 2008
Afternoon hotel check-in, Inn at Perry Cabin
6:00-8:00 pm Entrants Reception

Saturday, September 27, 2008
10:00 am - Optional Entrants Tour departs from The Inn
3:00 pm - Tour participants returns to The Inn
6:00 pm - Cocktails, Yachting Attire
7:00 pm - Gala Fund Raising Dinner

Sunday, September 28, 2008
9:00 am - Cars take the field
10:00 am - Judging begins (attendees welcome)
10:00 am - 3:00 pm - Fashion Show by Charisma Clothing Boutique
11:30 am - 2:30 pm - Buffet lunch at Sherwood's Landing (VIP Ticket Holders)
11:30 am - 2:30 pm - Light buffet lunch available in Commodore Room
3:00 pm - Award presentations
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Entrants "Wine Down" reception and celebration

Monday, September 29, 2008
Morning check out and departure

General admission tickets are $50.00 per person. The price for VIP tickets is $100 per person and are limited. The VIP ticket includes a buffet lunch at the acclaimed Sherwood’s Landing Restaurant on sight at the Inn. Again, all proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula.

Tickets went on sale May 1, 2008 and can be ordered online at www.stmichaelsconcours.com or by calling the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula office at 302-472-6266.

Story by: Becky McLaughlin