by Jack Keyes

The first Sunday in June has characteristically been the established date for holding the annual Bull Session for the 356 Group Northwest in the Puget Sound area. This year it should have been moved to August, considering the downpour that welcomed the hardy group of 356ers! Spring weather is always a little sketchy but this year the rains have been predominant. The beautiful clear day on the day prior lulled us into a hopeful sense of security.

Regardless of the auspicious beginnings for the day, the rains abated by about 10 to allow the assembly of forty-seven 356’s and 185 faithful supporters at Denny Akers Hobby Garage. Denny’s facility is a bit more than an asphalt and grass parking area but a museum in its own right. Everything from tubs in progress to Whizzer motorbikes, other collectibles, and a WWII Pratt & Whitney aircraft engine can be found on glistening display. Nonetheless, enough space was found to also house the 356 Registry Goodie Store thanks to Diane Morrill – always a welcome addition to our Northwest events. With the cool misty weather, the pink fleece sweatshirts were big sellers (at least for the gals)

A new tradition has been established at the Bull Session with authentic German music provided by Happy Hans Music. Once the drizzle abated the group moved around the crowd to add a few light notes to the activities. Hans would look right at home behind the wheel of any of the 356’s with his lederhosen and suspenders and the accordion safely ensconced on a Leitz luggage rack!

Not to miss an opportunity to provide a little technical information to a captive and interested group, Richard Shilling presented his insights into the elusive aspects of 356 ignition systems. The half-hour discussion drew a good deal of interest and provided valuable information to all the participants.

While the door prizes of wine glasses and a couple of bottles of great Washington wine were big hits, it was an even greater pleasure to introduce Garrett Goldsmith, one of the founding members of the annual Bull Session twenty-four years ago. When asked if he expected the Session to ever reach this size, Garrett nodded "No" but expressed his surprise and satisfaction. And, next year being the 25^th anniversary, the Bull Session will no doubt pull out all the stops to host the biggest collection of 356’s in the Northwest!

Of course, no German car event would be complete without plenty of beer and brats, and all the fixings. Added to the great food was soft-serve ice cream for dessert. While the number of 356’s may have been less than past Bull Sessions, the attendees enjoyed lively conversation and technical exchanges about their favorite mode of transportation. All in all, the 24^th Annual Bull Session turned out to be a very fun and successful event for all the attendees. Plus, nearly 100 lbs of food was collected for the local food bank and a nice check was donated to a local charity as a result of the raffle for a Travel Car Care Kit, courtesy of Griot’s Garage.