The 20th Annual Ironstone Concours d'Elegance in Murphys was held on September 24th, and San Joaquin had a strong showing throughout the event.

The Concours is held at the Ironstone Winery, which is owned by long-time 4-H and FFA supporters Gail & John Kautz.  It is a massive antique and classic car show that attracts entrants from all over the nation; there were 300+ cars this year including BMW, Corvette, Studebaker, Packard, Duesenberg, Pierce-Arrow, Bentley and Rolls-Royce. Special classes spotlighted early Fords, streamlined cars, sports cars, exotics, race cars, coachbuilt luxury marques, plus unrestored and original automobiles.

All proceeds from the event are donated to 4-H and FFA.  In addition to funding San Joaquin County 4-H scholarships every year, the Ironstone Foundation donates money to each 4-H club that sends their youth and adult members to help out at the event.

This year, 42 San Joaquin 4-H members went to the Concours and did everything from manning ticket gates to manning 4-H displays and information booths to giving presentations and impromptu speeches.  In fact, Bailey Matos of Jefferson 4-H won first place in the Impromptu Speaking competition!

Keep an eye out next August for information about how your 4-H group can be involved in the 2017 Concours!