Santa Paula Chevrolet BBQ

Story: Mike Woodings
Photos: Mike Woodings and Steve Turkheimer

We have all caravanned out on the 126 a time or two. Most of us have even been to Santa Paula Chevrolet for both business or pleasure or a combination of the two.  We have partaken of the great BBQ prepared by Laird’s Butcher Shop & BBQ and have enjoyed the hearty fare. The same is likely true for the Redline and Ventura Corvette Clubs as well, but twice a year we are faithful in answering the call and return to Santa Paula Chevrolet for yet another lunchtime BBQ feast surrounded by scores of terrific Corvettes (ours and theirs) and plenty of other tempting Chevrolet products.

On Aug 18th, our pilgrimage began with the mandatory sign-in and drivers’ meeting in the Walmart lot under a pleasantly cool blue sky. There were a large number of tops down or off for the drive as eighteen gorgeous Vettes lined up and rolled west toward a partial marine-layered and cooler destination. Judy and I led the way in our ’62 with its new water pump and enjoyed this trip to Ventura County without any overheating. A reading of 160˚ on the water temperature gauge and wind in our hair, a perfect combination for our easy morning drive.

Once we arrived and lined our Vettes up among the early arrivals we went about the usual tire-kicking, visiting, and maybe even some shopping. The dealership had numerous tempting retail Corvette related items for sale and of course there were new Corvettes and other Chevys to drool over.

Even though this caravan was similar to other BBQ caravans, it still offered it’s own unique flavor. This was the first club caravan for Peter and Carrie Di Orio, who enjoyed the ride tremendously. Tom Tomlinson brought his neighbor Don Knight, not yet a Corvette owner, but Don bought a Corvette hat from the dealership display, so what might be on the horizon?

Oh, there was still another unique event at the BBQ. We conducted a special new member induction of our first and only Honorary Members. Your board recommended the recognition of John and Sandra Macik as Honorary Members in recognition of their outstanding service and support as sponsors of the Santa Clarita Valley Corvette Club.  Our Membership Chair, Judy Woodings, presented John and Sandra with club name badges along with special membership certificates as they were welcomed into our club. John and Sandra proudly wore their new badges throughout the day and a “spy-shot” into John’s office even spotted his SCVCC certificate displayed in his bookcase!

The BBQ meal was delicious as always…The Corvettes were beautiful as always…
Time with friends was great as always…What could be better? Next time, I will drive the air-conditioned, modern Vette for the 97˚ return home!

 Many thanks to Santa Paula Chevrolet for another great BBQ, and welcome to the club John and Sandra!