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Some of our 2014 activities . . .

Holiday Party - December 2014

Our 2014 Holiday Party was a lovely private affair that featured a plated dinner banquet at the Acacia Café in central Phoenix. Proprietor Michael Soucier and his partner Jeff Pinales served up great hospitality, not to mention a choice of either Chicken Piccata or Salmon with Dill Butter. Both entrees were delightful!

Thirty members attended the function which started out with an hour of drinks and appetizers. Desserts were plentiful as each attendee was asked to bring something to share... and share we did!

The highlight of the evening was the campy White Elephant gift exchange. A couple of items were particularly unforgettable... Tom took home a tacky (but oddly lovable) “Standing Horse Toilet Paper Holder,” provided by Larry. And an anonymous member brought what appeared upon first glance to be an intriguing wooden tiki carving. Pick it up, however, and a hefty penis dropped out from beneath his robes. Yikes... a fertility god of some kind! A flurry of exchanges ensued, but the prurient treasure ended up with Don, who donated it immediately to Steve Moore and Mark Howard as a housewarming gift for their new place in Payson! Lucky boys.

Thanks to Larry for organizing this festive event to close out the year!

Fall Folly Road Rally - November 2014

Rally masters Mark and Don set up a wacky, 66-mile driving experience, that promised to test participant’s powers of observation and general automotive knowledge (among other things).

The Fall Folly Road Rally was held on a beautiful Saturday in November, with participants meeting up at the starting point, the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall in northern Phoenix.

Rally masters Mark and Don spelled out the instructions for the day, and then the competition was on! A total of five teams were released at intervals into the bowels of this enormous antique mall, tasked with finding a variety of visual clues. Interestingly, all five of the vehicles participating were special interest-type cars. Besides my ’77 Buick, there was a 1970 Ford Torino GT convertible, captained by Rob, a 1989 Mustang 5.0 convertible belonging to Larry Schroeder, a Howard and Tom's 1983 Buick Riviera, and a 1995 Oldsmobile Regency Elite with Mark Howard at the helm.

Although automotive trivia dominated the clue quizzes, there were other topics such as celebrity residents of the Valley... did you know that Steven Spielberg and Wayne Newton spent much of their youth here? Even though we were allowed to use our smartphones, there were enough obscure questions that made the internet fairly pointless. (Do you know what the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of a 1957 Ford Skyliner retractable hardtop was? Well, neither does your smartphone without some serious surfing.

The Taliban Trio had an amazing combination of chemistry and enthusiasm which made our experience even more fun and exciting. Tackling the quizzes and correctly opening the route instruction envelopes made us feel like we were on the TV reality show, “The Great Race." The course of this 66-mile trek took us through some breathtaking vistas and historic landmarks that exist right here in our own backyard!

The finish line was at the gorgeous midcentury modern home of Steve Bultemeyer and Richard Ridley, where we were joined by a number of our Lambda brethren who hadn’t been able to participate in the rally. Top-shelf hospitality and a delightful catered dinner completed this awesome day.

After grading all the paperwork, Mark and Don announced the results. The winning team was the “Bitch Brigade”, consisting of Steve, Mark, and Shari!

The challenges, the adventure and the extreme amount of creativity and organization made this an incredible event. We could hardly fathom the number of hours of planning that Mark and Don committed to this! Cars and fun and friendship... we have to do it again!

KOOL FM Car Show at Glendale Westgate - October 2014

Members of the LCCI Central Arizona Region arrived as early as 7:30 AM to get a prime location for what was to be one of the Largest Car Shows in the State, produced by Nancy Perry Productions.

The show lot exceeded 1500 Vehicles of all styles, from complete frame-off 400-point restorations, to high tech resto-rods and hot rods, pick up trucks, motorcycles, and vintage tear drop travel trailers.

It was a long day, but the camaraderie of current members and old friends we saw, in addition to all the cool errr... KOOL cars we saw made for a fun day out in the sunshine.

Members dined together at one of the restaurants in this sprawling entertainment compound that is attached to the University of Phoenix Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals, and site of Superbowl XLIX to be held there this January. Shari and Scott both submitted their cars for judging, Shari showing her 1990 GMC pickup, a Pocono Raceway truck, and Scott showed his Subaru 360, which came in second place in the "Exotic" category.

Tour the Colors Autumn Road Trip - October 2014

Arizona offers a variety of options in climate, topography and scenery. Seventeen members of the Central Arizona Region of LCCI signed up for this fall road trip adventure to “tour the colors” in Payson and Mogollon Rim country, escorted by one of our newer members, and local resident of the area, Eric.

The Caravan originated at the "Rock and Roll McDonalds" at the Pavilions on Indian Bend in Scottsdale around 8:30 AM on Sunday October 19th. The weather was perfect with a slight overcast and cool breeze. The caravan route took us through the breathtaking scenery of the Beeline Highway as it traced its way through Tonto National forest ascending into the high country at the base of the Mogollon Rim. A little more than an hour later, we were pulling into Payson where we met up with Eric. It was another 20-minute drive east to our brunch destination, Kohl’s Ranch Lodge, where Eric had secured reservations.

What a pleasant surprise we all had as we entered the Kohl’s Ranch property. Located at the base of the Mogollon Rim and on the banks of Tonto Creek, it was in a beautiful setting among the oak, walnut, maple, ponderosa pine, fir and spruce trees that were just taking on their fall color pallets. The main lodge, restaurant and bar had a warm and welcoming “Northern Woods” décor that exemplifies a casual, uniquely western and rustic atmosphere. Once you’re inside, all you can think is “Ahhh!”

The staff rolled out a warm and friendly welcome and everyone enjoyed a delicious meal and hearty meal. After brunch, many of us took a stroll alongside nearby Christopher Creek, experienced the fragrances of the forest and snapped a few pics of the changing leaves backed by the spectacular granite and red rock mountains. Attendees were so impressed with the scenery and amenities, that we picked up brochures and asked about pricing for all the cabins and hotel rooms at the lodge so we might plan a future overnight trip to this serene mountain retreat!

After our post-brunch perambulation, it was back into the cars, and led again by Eric, we were off to the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, which has to be one of the most breathtaking sites in Arizona. The descent into the valley is spectacular, and the views are unmatched. It's a truly spectacular natural wonder! This naturally-occurring travertine bridge is tucked away in the Arizona Mountains at about 5,000 ft and is about 8-10 miles north of Payson. You can walk across the bridge and look down through metal gratings at the water flowing more than 180 feet below. There were some excellent moments for photo opportunities - just before it began to rain. Only after the first few drops, the temperatures dropped as well and then the hail began to fall!

Mother Nature continued her onslaught, with temperatures falling into the “way-too-cold-for-somebody-from-Phoenix” range. We took shelter under the information kiosks and picnic shelters, yet the shifting winds made it almost impossible to find a dry spot. A few brave souls made a run for their vehicles and then shuttled about the parking lot picking up water-logged Lambdans! Our clothes may have been dampened, but our spirits weren’t and we even had a surprise birthday celebration, of sorts, for Tom at the Payson Dairy Queen! We even got the other patrons to join us in a rousing rendition of HAPPY BIRTHDAY. We then added back the calories we burnt throughout our hike and our running escape from the weather.

This was a terrific event and one that we will repeat, hopefully including an overnighter stay at Kohl's Ranch lodge sometime in the near future. Many thanks to Eric for stepping up and acting as our host and guide for this fun event!

Cruise on Central Car Show and Cruise-In - October 2014

To call the Cruise on Central a big event would be a gross understatement, as there were literally hundreds upon hundreds of cool, and usually immaculate, cars from every era, and every specialized interest, both out on Central Avenue and on display. The weather was spectacular, warm but not too warm, and of course there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. The biennial Cruise on Central, which is held on the second Saturday of April and October, draws collectors, enthusiasts, spectators, and cruisers from throughout Arizona and beyond, for what is regarded as one of the state’s oldest and best cruise-in events

This annual year's Fall Cruising on Central, already a huge event, was one of the perhaps the most well-attended cruise we've seen in the last 3 years. Whether its a sign of an improving economy or just a coincidence, Nancy Perry Productions, which has been the event's promoter for the past 14 years, must have done a heck of a job organizing and promoting the event, because it was wall-to-wall with thousands of people, and lots of interesting rides, cruising up and down Central Avenue, and on the huge show field that was set up in the Park Central Shopping Center's parking lot.

As parking together on the show field is well-nigh impossible if you don't all arrive early and together, LCCI Central Arizona Region members were instructed to meet up at our traditional viewing location on the Northeast corner of Earll Drive and Central, where we had the best seats in the house for watching all of the cars that were on parade, as well as those turning in to appear on the show field. Well over a dozen members met up to hang out and watch the seemingly never-ending supply of interesting scenery drive by, from classic cars, limited edition models, customs, hot rods, drag racers, low riders, sports cars and trucks of all kinds, there were even some ex-military vehicles

Vendors and manufacturers were on hand, selling everything from vehicle accessories, products and services, food, commemorative event T-shirts, and even vintage clothing with which you could accessorize your ride, for those up for wearing period-authentic clothes. Also on hand, was Nancy Perry's primary DJ, Greg Mathers, spinning classic tunes from the 50s through to the 70s, we're so impressed with his incredible sound system and deep catalog of vintage hits, that we've hired him to be our DJ for the car show and awards banquet at Heatwave 2015.

We'll of course get another opportunity to enjoy Mather's spinning talents at the Westgate Car Show later this month, and we're sure to be back, sitting in out usual prime spot, for the Spring Cruise on Central in April 2015; we wouldn't miss it for the world!

Arizona Gay Rodeo Association’s Inaugural Big Gay Yard Sale - October 2014

Despite having short notice due to an email snafu, LCCI Central Arizona Region members showed up in force for the first annual “Big Gay Yard Sale,” sponsored by the Arizona Gay Rodeo Association, held in the parking lot of Charlie’s Phoenix, and in addition to getting to ogle some cowboys, it served as an opportunity to engage the larger community, letting them know about the club, and raising awareness of our club’s upcoming events.

LCCI Central Arizona Region members, Steve, Kent, Don, Mark, Mike, Donovan, Roger and Larry were on hand, with Donovan’s 1965 Buick Skylark, Larry’s 1964 Pontiac Bonneville Brougham, Kent’s 1970 Pontiac Bonneville, Steve’s 1989 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series, and Don’s 1934 Pontiac Sedan on display, representing the breadth of our club’s interest in cars of any age. In addition to emptying out a sizable collection of left-over inventory from Desert Iron’s silent auction, our presence was warmly received by our hosts and the other participants, and we’re looking forward to participating again next year.

"NIGHt out" at the scottsdale pavilions - september 2014

By mid-September, the heat had finally dissipated sufficiently to venture outdoors for our first "Night Out" event of the season, simultaneously celebrating the imminent end of the Monsoon and kicking off our region's peak activity season, with a group visit to the Pavilions Car Show and Cruise In in Scottsdale.

Clearly our members had gotten sick of being hunkered down in our air-conditioned bunkers over the past few unbearably hot and humid months, as the Club fielded 26 attendees, with a bunch of member cars, both old and new, on display on the show field.

The Pavilions Car show is one event we always take out-of-towners to, as although it's held in a shopping center parking lot, it's still a beautiful location with gorgeous and stately palm trees surrounding the field, and beautiful sunsets over Camelback Mountain in the offing as the afternoon turns to evening.

As luck would have it, a local hybrid and electric car club was there in force, adding an unaccustomed eco-friendly vibe in contrast to the usual contingent of big-engined muscle cars. They might be tree-huggers, but clearly they still love cars.

1st Annual ignition phoenix lgbt auto show - august 2014

The first ever LGBT car show kinda snuck up on us, when we received a very unexpected telephone call from the folks at ION Arizona Magazine! They were revving up for their first annual LGBT auto show to be held in the air-conditioned comfort of the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, and were hoping that our club would lend our name, and of course, our cars, in sponsorship of the first-ever Ignition Phoenix LGBT Auto Show. How could we refuse?

Other gay clubs with a motorized theme were invited as well, including the Cactus 4 Wheelers and the Hell’s Fairies, a group of LGBT scooter enthusiasts. While we were given short notice, we were able to draw on our connections, and our resident Chrysler maven, Roger, was able to bring his '62 Imperial out for their ad campaign photo shoot for the event, with his car posing with some hot models of the two-legged variety.

Ultimately, LCCI Central Arizona Region's members, brought out thirteen vehicles for the show, which was held on August 30th, and we managed to give away all of the our club membership forms we brought as our cars and our members attracted the interests of the attendees. The show also featured music, food, drinks, a poker tournament, a vapor lounge and more. In true ION style, some drag queens were on hand, as well as a gaggle of scantily clad dancers. It was lively, to say the least.

Spectators were asked to donate $20 at the door, with proceeds being shared with the QU Scholarship Fund and the Phoenix Pride LGBT Center. Everyone received a ballot to vote on their favorite cars in six categories, and LCCI C.A.R. members won three of them. Paul was awarded "Best Tail" for his '65 Rambler Marlin, Mark winning "Best Grille" for his '62 Chrysler Imperial, and Ralph winning the ultimate prize, "Best in Show" for his gorgeous '58 Chrysler 300.

We were thanked profusely by the organizers of the event, and based on its success, they are already planning to do it again next year. One things for certain, we'll be there!

central Arizona & New Mexico rainbow roadrunners summer camp experience - July 2014

Greer, Arizona, located just east of Pinetop in Arizona’s White Mountains, is approximately equidistant from Phoenix and Albuquerque, which made it a perfect rendezvous point for members from both the Central Arizona Region and the New Mexico's LCCI region, the Rainbow Roadrunners, who got together over July 25-27 for a unique weekend trip in the mountains.

The high elevation of Greer, at about 8,300 feet provided us a cool respite from the searing July heat of the valley, although the thin air made some experience some difficulties breathing. Despite that, the surrounding countryside was magnificent, with vast green rolling plains that spread out with a backdrop of distant mountain ranges.

The Greer Cabin Connection provided us with three clean cottages that were nestled in the piney woods not far from Greer’s “town center” where a number of shops and colorful restaurants are located. Greer is known for its hummingbird population, and every dining patio featured “busy” hummingbird feeders, their beautiful and frenetic feeding activity providing a show with every meal.

The weather was refreshing, save for a short-lived storm that blew in on Saturday evening, the same night we drove into the nearby town of Springerville for barbecue at the rustic Avery’s Waterhole Café, Gas Station and Convenience Store! It was wet, but wonderful.

Thanks to Donovan for arranging this unique “camp-out” experience!

About Us/Join Us Upcoming Events Auction Weekend Newsletter Contact LCCI Home Recent Activities: 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014