It's been four years since I last attended the Kirkland Concours d'Elegance and though it was a good show then, it has developed into a world-class international concours. So I don't intend to miss it this year since its the only one of of its type to be held in the Pacific Northwest. (Kirkland, should you be wondering, is a Seattle suburb on the east shore of Lake Washington.) The concours setting, on the grounds of Carillon Point, home of the Woodmark Hotel, is quite lovely, although the year I was there it rained and the entire show had to be moved to an underground parking garage. As one who loves traditional wooden speedboats I like the fact that a small collection always accompanies the concours. For 2008 the organisers are promising at least six will be on hand, including a 1939 Gar Wood Custom Runabout with triple cockpits and an Italian-made 1965 Riva Aquamarina. The cars, of course, are of Pebble Beach quality; witness the 1937 Talbot-Lago above, which won a "triple crown" at last year's event: Best of Show, People's Choice, and French Curves First of Class. The Kirkland Concours d'Elegance will take place on Saturday, September 06. A date to remember.