RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - For the first time in several years, the Rancho Murieta Country Club used its golf course as the setting for a community event, holding its Car & Art Show July 25.

Twenty-five vehicles lined the 18th fairway for the car show, while seven local artists displayed their work in the Terrace Lounge. The event, open to all Rancho Murieta residents, continued with a barbecue buffet dinner inside the clubhouse, with additional seating on the Terrace Patio, where the Engine 4 Band performed.

Membership and Events Director Chantil Russo estimated that more than 300 people attended and said the response was strong enough that the club has already scheduled next year’s event. 

“We are very excited to have brought it back,” Russo said. “The members were so excited to have it on the 18th Fairway, and we can’t wait to make this an annual event!”

The next Car & Art Show is scheduled for Sept. 19, 2027.

Event Coordinator Laura Koontz said people seemed happy to have an event back on the golf course.

“The cars looked great out there,” she said. “Overall, it went really well.”

Koontz said the enthusiasm continued into the evening, when attendees enjoyed the Engine 4 Band and “danced the night away on our beautiful patio.”

Longtime country club member Rich Carlson, who has belonged to the club for 39 years, welcomed the return of an event to the golf course.

“It’s a nice little gathering with all kinds of beautiful cars from the 1930s to the 2020s,” Carlson said. “Having a barbecue and a concert makes it even better.”

Carlson recalled previous events held farther down the course and at the driving range. 

“This is a much better venue,” he said.

Carlson also praised the direction the club has taken with its activities, saying “the current staff is really trying and doing better events.”

The art show in the Terrace Lounge featured Mary Broddrick, Rocky Dunne, Rebecca Riley, Dennyece Farrell, Dave Epler, Pam Szemesi and Dan Gonsalves.

Szemesi, founder of the Rancho Murieta Fine Art Association, said the show was successful from the artists’ perspective. 

“The artists got a lot of positive comments, and everyone made at least one sale, which definitely makes us happy,” she said.

Szemesi started the association about two years ago to promote local artists and provide an online presence where community members can find and purchase their work. 

“The members support each other and encourage each other to thrive with their unique styles,” Szemesi said.

The association has eight members who participate in group shows while also operating their own art businesses.

The car show recognized vehicles ranging from a 1923 Ford Roadster to a 2025 Chevrolet E-Ray.

Winners were Josh Twist, 1955 Chevy Bel Air, Best Hot Rod; John Quiring, 1971 Plymouth Barracuda, Muscle Car; Gary and Teresa Silva, 1923 Ford Roadster, Pre-1935 Vintage; Dan and Pati Gonsalves, 1937 Chevrolet Pickup, Truck/SUV; Kirk Steele, 2005 Porsche, Import/European; John O’Brien, 2015 Bentley, President’s Choice; and John Edmunson, 2025 Chevrolet E-Ray, People’s Choice.