The giant twelfth annual show, which benefits the Coastside Adult
Day Health Center in Half Moon Bay, celebrates one hundred years of mechanical ingenuity,
power, and style with a remarkable exhibit of whirring, hissing, and roaring machines
running the gamut from classic cars, U.S. Army tanks, and antique motorcycles to restored
military aircraft, model-T fire engines, massive steam tractors, and tons more.
El Granada resident Bob Senz and some of his friends started the Dream Machines Show
back in 1990 to help raise funds for the Coastside Adult Day Health Center. With its
tremendous success, the show has become a critical source of funding for the center, which
this year added an Alzheimer's unit to their curriculum of programs. Senz and crew have
built the show into one of the Bay Area's most anticipated events of the year.
"The Dream Machines Show harkens back to a simpler time," said Senz.
"It's wonderful to see generations of families enjoying the show together."
Automobile enthusiasts will get a rare up-close look at motor vehicles from every era
in the 20th and into the 21st century. Antique, vintage and classic cars will represent
the early days with horseless carriages and Ford Model T's, among others, alongside the
more fanciful touring and luxury cars like the Bentley, Packard, and Rolls Royce. Flash
and speed will be symbolized by an array of fabulous sports cars like the T-Bird, Jaguar,
Cobra, Triumph, and Model-T roadster. A strong field of custom street rods will showcase
their gaudiness and amazing detail work, while muscle cars like the 'Cuda, Mustang, GTO,
and Camaro will flaunt their machismo and power.
And an awesome collection of race cars will be displayed with a bone-chilling
assortment of dragsters, funny cars, gassers, and jet cars firing-up throughout the day.
Car buffs enjoy the free-form nature of the show. It's common to see an impeccable Bentley
right next to a 440 Magnum Dodge Charger or a spotless custom Chevy coupe alongside a
T-Bucket. "There's nothing quite like the Dream Machines when it comes to
variety," said Senz.
The featured aircraft will be the F-18 Hornet, an attack aircraft and fighter jet used
by the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy. The F-18 has served a critical role in the
current war against terrorism in Afghanistan and also during Operation Desert Storm. In
its fighter mode, the F/A-18 is used primarily as a fighter, fighter escort and for fleet
air defense. In attack mode, it is used for force projection, interdiction and close and
deep air support. The F-18 will be on display and is scheduled to do a fly-by during the
show.
Giving a whole new twist to the phrase "flights of fancy" will be dozens of
aviation wonders, ranging from stylish homebuilts to classics from the 40's and 50's to
meticulously restored warbirds. A spectacular display of military aircraft will feature a
Yak-9 Russian fighter, a British-made Hawker Seafury Carrier-based fighter, several U.S.
P-51 Mustang fighters, T-28 Korean Wartrainers, and TBM World War II torpedo bombers, and
lots more. Thrillseekers can satisfy their longing with a thrilling ride in a Ford
Bushmaster tri-motor plane, helicopter or Stearman bi-plane.
The most curious and fascinating displays are the large and small engines collected and
refurbished by members of the Early Days Gas Engine & Tractor Association. Their
amazing array of hit and miss flywheel engines are enough to power old-fashioned washing
machines, lawn mowers, and an entire Lilliputian factory. On the larger side is the farm
and logging equipment. Among those hissing and churning away will be a 12,000-pound
Russell steam traction engine used to thresh wheat and grains in Oregon, and a giant
60-horsepower Western engine used in the Coalinga oil fields.
Rounding out the show will be kids amusements, food booths, and live music. Spectator
admission is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 5-14 and 65+, and free for kids age 4 and under.
Tickets are available at the gate only.
Half Moon Bay Airport is located on Highway 1, about 20 miles south of San Francisco
and 5 miles north of Highway 92. For information, call 650-726-2328 or visit the show web
site at www.miramarevents.com.
