The Elegance At Hershey
When: Friday, June 10th – Sunday, June 12th, 2016
Where: 501 W. Governor Road, Hershey, Pennsylvania
Admission: $30 General Admission for Sunday’s Elegance
Contact: (717) 534-1910
Information: theeleganceathershey.com
All Uphill From Here
This weekend, the finest quality collector and special interest automobiles from prewar to shortly thereafter assemble in Hershey, Pennsylvania for an event that’s sweeter than any chocolate. Friday morning’s Grand Ascent is a revival of the Hershey Hill Climb, a curvy uphill race pitting torque against daring. Midday brings charity races wherein guests can ride shotgun, albeit at slower speeds, to experience the visceral thrill of these often open-wheeled racers. A broad field of Vintage Sports Car Club of America-sanctioned racecars does justice to this historic course that once drew thousands of spectators.
The Bizarre and The Beautiful
The Finest Automobile Auctions brings a fine automobile auction to Saturday, featuring everything from modern Ferraris to stately pre-war Bentleys. Shortly thereafter is the more lighthearted of the weekend’s two concours – the Concorso Bizarro – where campy rat rods meet the eclectic and poorly-styled.
The main event kicks off Sunday amidst the well-groomed topiary of The Hotel Hershey. A garden party with high-culinary demonstrations and distinguished automobiles, The Elegance combines the best of a Concours d’Elegance with a more social, relaxed tone. Only pre-1960 automobiles with custom coachwork or unique provenance will be chosen for display in this prestigious event, ensuring The Elegance remains at the pinnacle of elegance.
A panel of guest judges critique the dignified motorcars that are arrayed like centerpieces around the lawns of the hotel estate. Following the French mode of concours aesthetics, cars are judged chiefly by their beauty and character, though condition is still a factor. Beneficiaries include the Antique Auto Museum and Library in Hershey as well as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
