Midsummer is here and A Midsummer's Night (or Day) Dream is also here. We, perpetual teens that we are, aged 45 and over, have this affinity for cars and what a better way to show off our "First Love" than to get together for HOT AUGUST NIGHTS.

Last year, I decided to go down on my own and "do Reno" on Saturday afternoon at the height of Hot August Nights. WELL, was I in for a surprise. Not only were the cars of my dreams there (when I was a kid) or crying over the sale of my 35 Chevy coupe a few years ago, but the surprise of not being able to navigate down Virginia Street. All I wanted to do was park my '98 Chrysler, walk around and drool over the multitude of chop-tops -- I could not even make a U-ee in any given street. So, thinking as any red-blooded, frustrated American gal would do, I pulled into the Peppermill parking lot and "THOUGHT" I could go around the lot and get out as quick as I could and go back up the hill to Virginia City, away from the maddening crowds. WRONG!!!!!

I was stuck in the parking lot with grinning valets all around for the better part of an hour. Finally, I managed to make my escape and headed up Geiger Grade thinking "Oh well, that was a waste of time, energy, hopes, and gas".

But what a wonderful surprise I received when I came down C Street. There, on either side of the Street and the entire parking lot of the Delta Saloon, were cars, cars, trucks, trucks, cars and more cars, from every year since Henry Ford first manufactured his Model T. Right here in beautiful Virginia City. I didn't have to go and battle the crowds of Reno. We have our own crowds up here too, but to a lesser degree.

My prayers were answered after all. I parked my car (in my driveway) and walked back to C Street, and you know what? I was up front and personal with the cars; talked with their owners and the best part - - - I got to look inside (some even let me touch) and got the unique stories behind most of them.

So, I just assumed (never assume) these wonderful people came up to VC to "hang out", have a few beers, dinner, cool air, then leave as quickly as they came. Wrong again! These terrific people came to show their cars to a City that just is a "must see".

And through my reminiscing, I thought "oh well, this was last year and just a fluke. It won't happen again. Once in a lifetime. Wrong again (I've been wrong a lot of times). Last Sunday, as I was walking up to C Street to join in our "Breakfast Club", my jaw dropped. Lo and behold, there, on either side of the street were old tyme cars - every shape, color and size parked on the street; going up and down the street. I just wish I had my camera with me for as I looked South from Union Street, I was transported back to another era (a little after the Pony Express, but with a lot more horsepower)

What I am getting at is that if you want to join in the excitement of Hot August Nights and relive the memories of yesteryear, but want to make it a bit more personal and memorable, you don't have to be at Reno or Gardnerville or Sparks to be a part of it. Just come to Virginia City and you will have the opportunity to experience and reminisce your longings of youth.

There is just this coming weekend to enjoy all the sights of yesteryear. Hurry on up and don't keep hidden the love affair you've had since you were a youth. Smile and laugh 'til your cheeks hurt (and bring lots of film). We're all just too happy to take a picture of you and your favorite "girl" [the car, the car!]. We can also squeeze a snapshot of a two-legged girl on occasion.

Looking forward to seeing ALL of you this weekend. Be well, no ashes or cigarettes out the car windows, and Drive Safe.

Grace