January 29, 2016
Barrett Jackson!
Barrett Jackson!! Unbelievable!!
You know that feeling you get when you dream of being able to do something. The feeling of anticipation and excitement. Do you remember the feeling when the dream became a reality? For instance, getting to go to Cedar Point for the first time (or every time!), attend a Nascar race, or your favorite sports team’s game? That giddy, tingly, full of excitement feeling when you realize you are really there?! Oh my goodness, it was all that!! From seeing the main entrance, walking into the bidding arena and seeing the stage, to all of the incredible vehicles!! Giddiness and tingles! That happened each day we went!
The Barrett Jackson Collector Car Auction has been on our bucket list for as long as we can remember. We have watched it on tv for years. Our plan was to take the boys when we had the money to bid on and actually make a purchase. Well, as it goes more times than not plans change, either by choice or circumstance. When this happens one should adapt, overcome, and modify. Let’s just say when the opportunity presented itself it was a struggle for about two seconds – one for each boy. Sorry boys! We are feeling very fortunate that we are in a career and work for a wonderful company that allows us the ability to stop and smell the roses! We are also very blessed to reconnect with a very good friend from Grant’s high school years that we stayed with and geeked out together with at the auction!! Thanks for everything Corry Elicker Carter! It was also great to get to see Robin and Cody again and share in the love of cars!
We were there from day one, Saturday through Wednesday. That was awesome, but next time we want to attend Tuesday through the end. Live bidding on the vehicles starts on Tuesday afternoon and the atmosphere really started buzzing on Wednesday. Right now we are missing seeing the top vehicles being auctioned due to being back on the road. Only if they streamed live on an XM station!! They have live coverage on Velocity and the Discovery Channel. In fact, one of the fun moments was getting to meet (actually bombard) the host, Chris Jacobs! We have been watching Overhaulin’ with Chip Foose and Chris Jacobs for years!! Always wishing to be a part of the show, <sigh>, but love it nonetheless!
Talk about timing! Chris was doing the introduction for day two coverage and incorporated the spectators as a part….we were there!! So if you DVR’d the coverage, you will see Kelly in the front and Grant’s shoe off to the side (he was being the photographer for what was to come!) Just as soon as Chris finished his line and dropped the microphone, Kelly ran out and mobbed him with a hug! Thank goodness he is such a good guy, he was kind enough to return the hug and pose for a picture without having her hauled off! Unbelievable!
Well our bucket list item in not complete. Our boys were not there with us and we did not purchase a vehicle, so we will be back!!
Things we learned….
There is Bobtail truck parking in the onsite campground…for free! (hint, hint other drivers)
How incredibly huge it is!! Be prepared to walk, inside and out. It covers over 200 square acres and has over 1500 vehicles.
How many reasonably priced vehicles went across the block. There were steals of deals on many Tuesday and Wednesday.
Very fan friendly!! Not only a wide variety of vehicles, but interactive exhibits as well!
Start making plans!!! We will see you there next year!!
