Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the Italian Concours d' Elegance held?
A: The 17th annual Italian Concours d' Elegance will be held at the City of Des Moines Marina in Des Moines, Wa. The park is located at 22307 Dock Street. Please click here for directions and a map.
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A: No, There is a nominal entry and admission fee. Most concours events around the country charge $50 to $100 for admission and more than $50 for car entry to their shows. We believe the Italian Concours d' Elegance has cars of the same caliber as these shows. We have kept the fees as low as possible. Admission is $5 and Car entry fee is $35. Motorcycles and scooters are $20.
top of pageQ: Where does my money go?
A: This year all proceeds from the raffle will benefit The Make A Wish Foundation. In 2005, we raised enough money through the raffle to grant the wish of a young 14 year old girl with Colon Cancer to meet NASCAR great, Kasey Kahne and spend the weekend with him at the track in Sonoma, California. The Board of Directors is made up of 6 enthusiasts. We put on this show out of love for Italian design and culture. All directors are volunteers and non-salaried. It takes an estimated 1,000 man hours to put this show together every year. All of the money raised at the show is reinvested into future events. Just to give you an idea of the expenses involved, 20% of our budget goes to the City of Seattle for permits and insurance, 50% of the budget goes to the awards. Our awards are top notch. Many of our winners have our trophies placed next to trophies from the Pebble Beach Concours (the most prestigious car show in the country) in their trophy cases.
top of pageQ: When should I arrive with my car the day of the show?
A: Registration opens at 8:00 a.m. the morning of the show, and will close at 10:45 a.m. Please try to get to the park as early as possible.
top of pageQ: Does my vehicle have to stay at the park all day?
A: Yes, please plan on being at the show all day. The show opens to the public at 11:00 a.m. and the awards presentation is at approximately 4:30 p.m. The vehicles will be judged during the show. Removing vehicles from the grounds during spectator hours is considered to be unsafe. There are many activities and restaurants along the waterfront for you to enjoy (Anthony's Home Port and Red Robin to name a couple).
top of pageQ: When does the show open for spectators?
A: The show will open to the public at 11:00 a.m. and remain open until the award presentation begins usually around 4:30 p.m.
top of pageQ: How can I volunteer?
A: We can always use more able-bodied people. Set up and tear down are major tasks. Please contact Mary Wilson for more information.
top of pageQ: How are the Vehicles judged?
All judging for the Italian Concours is handled by our lead judge, Jim Simpson. Jim is not affiliated with the Italian Concours and has years of experience as a Concours judge. He also solicits volunteers to assist with the judging on the day of the event. The judging for the Italian Concours is not formal in any fashion. They are not looking for "Q-Tip" clean quality. Originality is taken into consideration, as is "curb appeal" and overall vehicle quality. This allows a 2008 vehicle to compete with 1930's vintage vehicle.
top of pageQ: Are there discounts available to car/motorcycle clubs?
A: Yes, we offer a discounted rate to any club that enters 10 or more vehicles. The discounted rate is $25 for cars and $15 for motorcycles/scooters. All entries must be sent together in one packet. Each entry with its own check made payable to Italian Concours d' Elegance.
top of pageQ: Do my family and friends have to pay to get into the show?
A: Yes, the car entry fee includes entry for the car, driver and passengers. If you have other people coming to the show that didn't ride in with you they must pay the admission fee of $5
top of pageQ: I have more that one Italian vehicle. Do I have to pay entry fees for all of them?
A: The entry fee is per 2 vehicles. If you have one vehicle in the show it is $35/$20. Two cars would cost $35. Two motorcycles/scooters would cost $20. A car and motorcycle/scooter would cost $35. If there are 4 vehicles you double the entry fee. Each vehicle must have its own registration form and release.
top of pageQ: Where can I park my tow vehicle and trailer?
A: There is a ample parking just south of the Concours Site. There is plenty of room for cars, trucks and trailers. And, the parking is FREE!
top of pageQ: Is there a place I can park over night?
A: Yes, this year we have decided to hire an off duty Des Moines Police officer to guard the site the night prior to the show. Guarded and fenced overnight parking will be available for $20. If you decide to park here overnight you also get to sleep in the day of the show, as your car will already be parked in your spot for the day!
top of pagetop of pageQ: I'm coming from out of town, Where should I stay?
A: There are a few hotels within walking distance to the Marina. The closest hotel is the Marina Inn, which is just 2 blocks from the Marina
top of pageQ: Is there food available at the show?
A: Yes! Not only do with have a food vendor, we also have a vendor that serves Latte's, Coffee, etc. In Addition, Red Robin, Anthony's Home Port and a couple other restaurants are within easy walking distance from the Concours site.
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