[Alfajay]

Sure, it's expensive, crowded, the same cars are there each year, the people are rude, etc. etc. Yet, I keep coming back. To me, it's a reunion - I see all my automotive buddies - the cars have become incidental (well, almost).

The price of the Concorso has gone up, and the event has become sort of glitzy, rather than just a fun gathering of Italian cars. But, if you bring two people in your car, and register before Feb 28th, it's just $37.50 a head. Admission to Laguna Seca is steep for Saturday (the busy day) - $65/person, though the other days are less. I have given up on Pebble (I know it runs > $100 per). A few events are still free: the Ocean Ave display in Carmel on Thursday and some of the auction tents.

Lodging is the killer - hotels get booked years in advance, and many have a 4 night minimum. The ARA arranges a block of rooms at the Laurel Inn in Salinas, and you get the comradarie of being with the Alfa group. Salinas is also convenient to the less crowded back entrance to Laguna Seca.

So anyhow, if you have never been, don't dismiss it too quickly. Attending DOES take some planning, but it is doable on a budget.