The weather was gorgeous on Friday, August 3rd. The people were hyped. The cars were hot. And the food seemed never-ending. This year’s Hot August Night event was the biggest and best ever in its six-year history. Back in 2002, two gearheads from Peterson Tractor’s San Leandro store spearheaded what has become the most highly anticipated event of the summer for Peterson employees and their families, friends, customers and vendors. Over the years, Bruce Clayton, Corp Svc Supervisor/Tractor/SL, and Skip Quinn, Engine Shop foreman/Tractor/SL, have been joined by several other dedicated employees to make it all happen every August. And, there couldn’t be a richer pool of mechanical talent and love of cars to draw from than right here at Peterson. “This year we had to turn some show cars down,” explains Bruce. "We had over 150 cars, motorcycles and trucks and we just couldn’t handle anymore.” Last year, they thought they were at capacity, but with a streamlined “floor plan” the crew was able to consolidate some areas, move the food into one spot, and host well over 1,500 people. Head chef, Jack Ravazza, Tractor's General Service Mgr/SL, and his group started cooking early Friday afternoon and didn't finish with clean up until late that night. People were still standing in line at show’s end for a taste of Jack’s legendary barbequed tri-tip from the custom “tractor” barbeque grill. And the quantities they cooked were ENORMOUS! 900 people’s-worth of tri-tip and chicken, each ... hot dogs for 1,000 ... and all the sodas, salads and trimmings besides.

The night’s entertainment went well beyond cars and food. For kids there were jumping houses, an on-site popcorn maker, and professional face painters and balloon twisters. And, the DJ'd music was provided by Peterson's own Joe Scaramuzzino, grounds keeper. Then there were the cool Alameda Co. Sheriff’s (CAT-powered) Bomb Squad truck and command centers where people could go inside and see the surveillance cameras at work and get an explanation by local Homeland security folks. One of the most sought-after features of the event was its annual customized H.A.N. T-shirt. Just like the car show, each year those T-shirts keep getting cooler and more in demand. By the end of the long, loud, fun-filled evening, some tired soul reprogrammed the computerized directional signboard out on the street to read: “Show’s Over ... Go Home”. Long after the crowds had gone home, the cooks and crew were still cleaning up. By then, the sign had downgraded to: “Kiss the Cook”. Our thanks to all who participated to make this another fantastic year.