An annual fundraiser event that showcases various aircraft, cars and other vehicles in San Mateo County will not be held this year. The Pacific Coast Dream Machines event was canceled by organizers on Monday because of delays in obtaining permits from the Federal Aviation Administration.
“With a heavy heart we must inform you that our beloved Pacific Coast Dream Machines Event will not be moving forward this year,” said the event’s organizers, which include the board for Coastside Adult Day Health Center and Miramar Events. “After seven months of pre-planning, we must cancel the event due to aberrant delays in the permitting process with the FAA. We are no longer able to continue moving forward for a 2024 event at the Half Moon Bay Airport.”
The Dream Machines event features displays of hot rods, cars, and military vehicles, along with vintage and experimental aircraft that put on air displays and can be seen up close on the ground. The event raises money to support the Half Moon Bay-based Coastside Adult Day Health Center, which provides health services, meals and more to adults in need.
Two other upcoming events at county airports, the Airport Runway Run charity race at San Carlos Airport and the Emergency Vehicle Operation Course at Half Moon Bay Airport, are also facing potential cancellation because of the unknown timeline to receive approval from the FAA.
The county’s Public Works Airport Division put out a statement Tuesday expressing disappointment with the decision to cancel the Dream Machines event. It said permit applications were made for all three events before the county was told it needed to conduct additional environmental and safety reviews.
“All three of these events are well-loved and appreciated in the County and we were hopeful to see them return in 2024,” said airports director Gretchen Kelly.
“All three of these events are well-loved and appreciated in the County and we were hopeful to see them return in 2024.” Gretchen Kelly, San Mateo County airports director
“However, we also understand that the organizers must do what they deem best. We’re keeping our fingers crossed now that the other two shows will still happen this year and that Dream Machines can return in 2025.”
The 31st annual Dream Machines show was scheduled for April 28.
Organizers said the event could return next year if it can better understand the timeline required by the FAA to obtain the needed permits. They asked potential attendees to consider donating to Coastside Adult Day Health Center to make up for the funds that will not be raised at the event.
A request for comment from the FAA was not immediately returned. The events need approval from the FAA to be held at airports because the airports remain active during the events.