Checking out what's under the hood of a late 50's Chrysler 300 at last year's car show Photo Ohlen Alexander

The Orinda Classic Car Show, now in its sixth year, will include a street party-Dancing with the Cars-as the Friday night opener to the exhibition of vintage cars and motorcycles on Saturday, September 25th. On the night of the 24th, Avenida de Orinda (next to the Phairs Building and Orinda Motors) will be closed to traffic, tented, and set with tables and chairs for an evening of cocktails, dinner, music and a live auction. The presenting sponsor for the night is Mechanics Bank. "It will be dancing with the cars under the stars," says the event organizer, Chip Herman, who hopes to make this Orinda's most successful street party.

A little more about that auction, which Herman describes as a first-of-its-kind - a "driver's car" auction. "We will be auctioning off pre-owned, donated cars that have been certified as road-worthy by Orinda Motors and detailed by Professional Automotive Collision and Detail in Lafayette." Party guests will have the opportunity to bid on one, two, or possibly three "driver cars" that Herman says would be great as a teen's first car or for commuting to and from home to the BART. (See contact information below, if you are interested in donating a car.)

With five years of practice and a seasoned team of 75 volunteers, the Classic Car Show is a well-oiled machine. All day on Saturday the 25th, the streets surrounding Orinda Motors, which has helped organize the free event since its inception, will be filled with classic vehicles for car fans to view. Last year's show featured over 135 cars, drew hundreds of visitors, and raised $27,000 for Seniors Around Town, the Educational Foundation of Orinda, and other local charities. "There is something for everyone, from classic cars in mint condition, daily drivers, hot rods and other custom cars, racecars and motorcycles, to a vintage Air Stream camper," says Herman. In addition to the incredible collection of vintage autos, the Car Show includes a special exhibit of historical memorabilia, Orinda Thru the Years, coordinated by the Orinda Historical Society and Orinda Motors.

Adds Herman, "The Car Show is all about Orinda. It takes place in Orinda. The fundraising benefits Orinda. I hope all of Orinda comes out to join us."

Proceeds from the Dancing with the Cars street party on Friday, September 24th will benefit the Educational Foundation of Orinda. Tickets are $100, email dancingwithcars@yahoo.com for more information.

The Classic Car Show on Saturday, September 25th will also support Seniors Around Town and the Orinda Historical Society. Go to www.orindacar show.com for more about the Orinda Classic Car Show.

Anyone interested in donating a used car to the auction or entering a classic car or motorcycle, contact Chip Herman at ChipHerman@earthlink.net.