Over 3 months worth of guerilla marketing, forum chatter, and local meet talks, finally culminated to one of the largest Subaru Events to ever form in the resort beachside town of Santa Barbara, CA on June 7th, 2009. S3:  Subaru Summer Solstice was conceived as merely an idea among the two originators and then has grown to a very large and successful event.

Two initial groups of Subarus came from all over California (and even a group from Las Vegas, NV) to join in the festivities. Saturday morning a smaller group of 30 Subarus left Los Angeles to go and all went on a cruise along the scenic route on the 101 freeway to S3 Title Sponsor, Barber Subaru. “We are proud to have such a great title sponsor, Barber Subaru of Ventura California, to help make S3 such a great event” Commented co-organizer Sashin Nath. “Without their ongoing support and generous donation through their Barber Driving Experience I think S3 would have not been as great as it was!”

Saturday Night featured a social / mixer at the famous Santa Barbara Brewing Co. in downtown Santa Barbara. Not only did a huge crowd of Subaru owners flock to this great social gathering, the gracious owners of the Santa Barbara Brewing Co. allowed 4 highly modified Subarus to display in front of their establishment. The Vehicles included a 2007 Subaru STi from Apollo Performance, a 2006 Subaru STi from Harmon Motive / AQ Motorsports, 2008 Subaru STi from NNI Racing, and a 2008 Subaru STi from Yimi Sport Tuning. “We wanted to show how Subaru owners were proud of their cars by driving these highly prepped race cars down State St., the main street of Santa Barbara and bring attention to the locals that are here!” said Co-Organizer Yukio Taira “And we also wanted to attract many people that were not into cars or even Subarus to check out the cars for themselves and share in the love that we have for Subarus”. Many owners enjoyed a great atmosphere which was a great preview for the main event.”

The light clouds began to dissolve as Sunday morning began. Many caravans formed as early as 5:30 in the morning to make a 100 mile trek from Southern California to the Central beach city of Santa Barbara. With a total of 150 cars made the trek from Northern California, Central California, and Nevada to join in the festivities. With 4 organized caravans, coming together, S3 became one of the largest organized Subaru Caravans that California has witnessed! “We were surprised at the enthusiasm that many of the Subaru owners expressed when even asking them to get up extremely early for our event. This shows the dedication to their love of Subarus!” said co-organizer Yukio Taira.

Cars lined up at La Playa Field located at the Santa Barbara City College for Car Show entries or Preferred parking and were greeted with a goodie bag provided by generous sponsors and also included a commemorative t-shirt featuring over 30 Subarus. During the event enthusiasts talked about their Subarus, sharing their love for the boxer engine and all wheel drive and were treated to one of the largest raffles ever organized. “It was overwhelming on the response and generosity from each of our S3 sponsors!” said co-organizer Chris Matye “At times, we were running out of time and still had more prizes to give away!”. Attendees were given a chance to talk to top Subaru tuner shops and manufacturers as they walked through the vendor mid-way. “We wanted to give both Subaru owners and manufacturers a chance to talk face to face. I think this is what sets S3 apart from other shows.” Said co-organizer Yukio Taira. At the end, awards to given to the Best of Show, “Should be driven on the Road” award, Lowest and Highest Mileage awards, Best S3 themed Vehicle award, and So Cal F4 Choice Award.

At the end of the event, over 180 cars were in attendance and was a very first show of its kind. “We feel that this was a step in the right direction. Attendees were not confined to a venue. They freely went down the street to grab a lunch, or walk across the street to the beach but still stayed around to show off their Subarus. This should open up for more ideas for the next S3 to make it bigger, better, and of course ‘outside the box’”. Commented Yukio Taira “Many Subaru owners left with great stories during the entire weekend and look forward to the next S3 and any other event that we put together.”

S3 would have not been successful without the support of the great shops and manufacturers that were in attendance at S3: Barber Subaru of Ventura, CA, HB Speed, Koyo Radiators, Harman Motive / AQ Motorsports, Subaru of America, NNI Racing / 101 Piping, Subiesport Magazine, Vaughn Performance, Apollo Performance, Yimi Sport Tuning, JDM Option / D’s Club, INGS+1, Cosworth, 5Zigen USA, Toyo Tires, B&M Shifters, Racer’s Edge Karting, Cusco / Nukabe, So Cal Subies, Chargespeed, Redline Time Attack, Vidfoot, Rally Innovations, Live Sockets Entertainment, Fizix Media Labs, MB2 Raceway, SEIBON Carbon, Santa Barbara City College, Torco, So Cal Flat 4, NASIOC, I-CLUB, and TMT Magazine.