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Jimmy's Old Car Picnic

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who is Jimmy?
Jimmy O'Keefe is a 4th generation native San Franciscan from the Sunset District. He is a retired gardener who worked in Golden Gate Park for about 35 years. Always an old car nut, Jimmy has passed along his love for the classics to his family and shares it with a large group of friends. Since he believes that different kinds of people can enjoy each other's cars, no matter what condition they're in, he started the Old Car Picnic based on this thought-- and to this day, everybody with a good attitude is welcome! He also appreciates the dedication of people who work with the Developmentally Disabled and is proud that the Picnic has long benefitted organizations that assist them.
Q. Is Jimmy still Involved?
After 21 years of running the old car picnic, Jimmy earned the right to a well-deserved rest. He has passed the chore of planning and running the picnic along to the volunteers which are composed of longtime friends of the picnic, including Jimmy's daughter Jamie O'Keefe. Jimmy will be attending the picnic with his family, bringing his Woodie, and prowling Speedway Meadow for a worthy recipient of the "Jimmy's Choice" award.
Q. Do I need to pre-register?
A. No! Just show up in time to get a nice spot. Admission is $40 per vehicle this year.
Q. What is admission, what kind of payment can you accept, what do I get?
A. Due to high permit fees, we'll need to change the admission fee this year to $40 per vehicle. WE CAN ACCEPT CASH ONLY. We don't have the ability to process other types of payments. You will get a packet that includes a raffle ticket and other goodies and a chance for your car to win a Jimmy's Choice award.
Q. Where does the money go?
A. Jimmy’s Annual Old Car Picnic has always been a benefit for people with developmental disabilities. In the past, we were proud to benefit the Assisted Services Division of the San Francisco Recreation & Park Dept, a program that was eliminated in 2009 after many years serving the City. Since this wonderful program no longer exists, we are happy to benefit two organizations that directly serve the developmentally disabled in San Francisco.
The Janet Pomeroy Center
Founded in 1952, is a non-profit organization serving over 2000 children, adults, and seniors with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries each week.

www.janetpomeroy.org

207 Skyline Blvd.

San Francisco, CA 94132

General phone: (415) 665-4100

The Potrero Hill Neighborhood House
A multi-purpose, multi-generational community center that has been in operation for over a century. They help children, youth and seniors overcome potential risks from educational deficits and violence to hunger. They are open to all San Franciscans and provide necessary services, free of charge, to those most in need with a geographic focus on the Southeast section of the city-- Potrero Hill, Visitacion Valley and Bayview-Hunters Point.

phnh.org

953 De Haro Street

San Francisco, CA 94107

Phone: (415) 826-8080

Q. What kinds of raffle prizes will you have?
A. We get donations from many generous businesses around the Bay Area, so our prizes this year may include shirts, cases of oil, other automotive gear, hotel gift certificates, hats, and skateboards. Check out our raffle prize page for more information. If you or your business is interested in donating a raffle prize, please contact us.
Q. I don't have a vehicle or I'm not parking mine on the lawn, do I still have to pay?
A. No, the event is free to spectators.
Q. Will there be vendors or bands?
A. NO VENDORS OR AMPLIFIED SOUND! Our permit doesn't allow it-- illegal vending puts our permit at risk. No shirts, no food, no drinks! You are welcome to bring your own picnic or BBQ set up. Because of noise ordinances, we cannot have amplified sound of any kind--bands, djs, etc.
Q. I want everyone in my club to park together. Can I reserve a bigger space or rope one off?
A. First come, first served. Try to get everyone together early on SATURDAY! Please DO NOT "rope off" large areas. NO OVERNIGHTS. You can't spend the night in the Park and you probably wouldn't want to....
Q. What kinds of cars show up?
A. Everything imaginable! Once again, due to a strict permit, we can only allow OLD cars in the show. Cars from lots of eras, motorcycles, scooters, bikes, giant red wagons, motorized barstools-- vehicles ranging from clunkers to perfect restorations....pre-vehicles 1980 and older. The year limit will be enforced. Email us with questions about the year limit.
Q. What time does it start and end?
A. This year, the Picnic will start officially at 7 am and end at 4 pm. Try to get there early enough to get a good spot!
Q. What kind of weather do you expect?
A. We've been lucky enough to avoid rain, but we sometimes get fog--this is San Francisco. Wear layers!
Q. How long has this Picnic been going on?
A. Since 1988! The Picnic started off as a way for classic car-loving friends in San Francisco to get together to enjoy a picnic in the park. It was so much fun, it became an annual event. It has now grown to include people from all over!
Q. What about Picnic shirts and stuff?
A. You can purchase this year’s shirt at the event. Some previous year’s designs are available through our online stores: www.cafepress.com/jimmyspicnic20. Featuring 1951 Studebaker: www.cafepress.com/jimmyspicnic21 Featuring ’67 Mercury Monterey & ’70 Buick GS: www.cafepress.com/jimmyspicnic22. In the online store, we have men's, women's, & kids' shirts, along with sweatshirts available, all featuring classic designs.
Q. How can I get on the mailing list to receive a flier?
A. Contact us with your mailing name and address. Email jimmyspicnic@gmail.com to make sure you get this year's flier by email.

One last reminder....

Be mellow with driving and speed at this event. No burn outs! No donuts on the lawn!

Please no mini-motorcycles! We will photograph violators and won't allow them back.

The SFPD and Park Police will be patrolling the area and will issue citations for parking and traffic violations.

Remember, this is YOUR PICNIC TOO! Let's keep this tradition of family-friendly fun going for TWENTY TWO MORE YEARS!

Thanks for your help!