A big turnout today - a good way to end the month.


--Bob Collum


P.S.: We are having a Jaguar get-together next week (Sunday, June 7th, 2015 - 8:00AM to 10:00AM). Please contact me if you have a Jaguar you want to bring!

 

It's been a good run. What started back in 2010 appears to be over. Due to continuing (and increasing) noise problems, the police and a property agent for East Market at Fair Lakes declared today that this venue is shut down for all events. This venue, which we have enjoyed so much, will no longer host cars & coffee. We regulars have noticed the increasing amount of burnouts and speed runs down Fair Lakes Circle. The condo residents and business owners noticed, too. Now, this venue is closed to us.


I'd like to point out a critical issue: the people who have been gathering along the hillside, facing Fair Lakes Circle. People who are coming to the event, not to see cars (their backs are to the parking lot), but to see burnouts. They video these illegal and unsafe displays of speed, and encourage immature behavior. I believe we need to discourage this behavior in spectators.


However, this takes NO BLAME away from the infantile behavior of the people actually doing the irresponsible driving. The idea of showing off for a bunch of drooling fools completely escapes me.


I'm hoping we all learn something from this, although I don't know the misbehavers will feel much effect from this, as the regulars I know and recognize do not drive like this. I know we will all likely be more inclined to tell people to KNOCK IT OFF at any new venue.


Sadly, if this really is the last Fair Lakes C & C, I was not able to make my way around to see the regulars I enjoy seeing every week, as I was doing a special Jaguar event today.


R.I.P. Fair Lakes (Kohl's) Cars & Coffee, (2010-2015).
We will miss this venue!


--Bob Collum

 

Well said Bob!

 

That is sad news --- but not unexpected - it's always a couple of a-holes that ruin it for everyone. I enjoyed the 100 mile round trip I made each Sunday. It's not often the destination equals or surpassed the journey but the variety of cars, and the comradeship was second to none.
I did leave early today - did the police arrive and make an announcement? Just a thought - there are a couple of office buildings across the street with large empty parking lots, how do we and should we approach their management to see if we can gather on the property.
I guess it won't take an hour to get a cup of coffee at Starbucks next Sunday - I'll bet that store will miss the income!

 

The Fair Lakes lot on the morning of 03/10/13.



I agree, sad but we surely saw it coming. It's just a shock when it happens.

The police arrived, and told us that the property manager was on her way over, and was intending to shut the meet down. Later, when she arrived, she instructed the Fairfax County policeman to let everyone know that they needed to leave immediately. She also told a friend of mine that they intended to ticket anyone assembling anything like a car event in the future. While I'm sure they will need to post such a warning, we can assume that Fair Lakes, as a C & C venue, is over.

I know there will be people who say - "That's not legal! They can't keep us from gathering with friends on a public lot!" Unfortunately, that's not true - the East Market at Fair Lakes parking lot is private property, and the owner can use it - and allow use of it - as they please.

While Starbuck's certainly did a good business on Sundays, stop and think what benefit we, the car people, had for Kohl's, or Dick's Sporting Goods. What those businesses saw was, lots of cars clogging their lots, making it harder for paying customers to get in and spend money. I'd wager that our group spent very close to an average of zero per person in these stores, over the last year.

What we, the well-behaved massive majority of car people can do is, not let this happen at other venues. As the regulars from Fair Lakes disperse to the other, more recently established Cars & Coffees, I'd hate to have problems move with us.

The beauty of a Cars & Coffee is, it can just appear, with no president, no planner, no honcho - just a few guys (and girls) who want to ogle beautiful cars, and talk with like-minded people. Over time, if the vibe is good, and the cars are first-rate, word will get out - the event will grow. At a certain point, if it's a really good venue, the event will outgrow the location. The downside of no 'leader' is, no coherent direction. No one can act to stamp out bad acting, nor post signs to let people (who might be new to the venue) what is NOT acceptable.

We have had a good run, from 2010 to 2015. I'll have fond memories of Sundays at Fair Lakes. Now, I have to find another #@%$& parking lot to meet at for my drive next Sunday!

--Bob Collum

 

Just to be clear....and this is important:

The property manager has officially closed the parking lot to this event.

Yesterday she stated that anyone showing up next Sunday would be arrested, charged with trespassing, and she would have their car towed and impounded. The police officer at the event confirmed her intentions and noted that Fairfax County Police would be at the site next weekend.

It would be prudent to NOT show up next Sunday.....

 

I hear the Starbuck at the Fair Oaks Mall has coffee ------ and there appears to be a large parking area away from the mall -- Just saying.

 

Seriously, Fair Oaks Mall has private security wandering around in cars. I live on a tiny cul-de-sac, not far from Fair Oaks, so when my Elise first came in from the dealer on the west coast, the driver arranged for me to meet on their lot. The truck was there less than ten minutes before there were two security vehicles there, asking what we were doing. They were nice (and this was 8 years ago), but I think they'd swarm on a group of cars larger than three, and disperse us.


--Bob Collum

 

Oh contraire my friend...My wife and my daughter that recently had a baby spend a ton on money at that Kohl's...but based upon this I am planning on having a discussion with her about being banned from that Kohl's for future purchases. Plus how many folks are shopping at Kohl's or Dicks on Sunday morning...I know the best day we had we never got cars down in front of Dicks...


The real issue here is the Fairfax County Police department who we all pay for in our taxes should be enforcing the laws on the street in front of the parking lot....writing tickets and arresting bad drivers.


I do not disagree with use of private property...but the manager is being a little short sided on this one as Starbucks was doing a huge business there and I know for a fact that the two pair of jeans I wear regularly were bought at that Kohl's right after a C&C on a Sunday when Bev dragged me in there and made me shop!


Bobert

 

I'm to far away from that area to know the ins and outs of the local shopping centers or parks where a 'well behaved' group could get together so I guess I'll take the cover off the old bass boat and hit the river on Sunday morning.