Full moonlight and 80-degree temperatures surrounded visitors on First Street in Brentwood at Downtown Thursdays’ inaugural Hot Boat Show. Fifteen of Northern California’s fastest boats, boasting a combined horsepower of more than 15,000 and capable of speeds in excess of 100 mph, attracted a huge crowd.

Event coordinator Peggie Schuitemaker credited attendance to local residents Phil Scherzer and Steve Sherman, members of the Delta Lunch Bunch – DLB, as they’re known on the Performance Boats forum. “It was amazing to see these boats and meet the owners whose passion for racing and ‘burnin’ fuel’ has everyone watching from the launch ramp to when they blow by on the river!” said Schuitemaker. “The coalition couldn’t be happier with their participation.”

The oldest boat, a 1977 Biesmeyer owned by Phil Scherzer, took the People’s Choice award. The Best of Show award went to a 1977 Beisemeyer owned by Antioch resident Denise Puttle. Other models included DiMarco Flat Bottom, Brendella, Sleekcraft, Canyon Flat, Shiada, Sanger, Cole, Bahner and Centurion Pickle Fork. Whether hauled out of the water after racing or pleasure cruising, by showtime Thursday all the boats were polished to perfection.

2012 Heritage High graduate Daniel Sherzer, who executed the artwork for the show, was awarded a framed rendition of the event poster and certificate of recognition signed by Dafne Swisher, chairman of the Downtown Brentwood Coalition (DBC). “He did an amazing job,” said Swisher. “We were honored to have him create our artwork at the best downtown event this season.”

Twenty-three cars, occupying half a block on Chestnut Street, showed up to honor the boat show. Best of Show went to a 1937 Chevy Coupe owned by Bill and Joan Hough. No entry fee is required to enter the weekly car show events, but the cars must be registered at His and Hers Formal Wear on First Street.

Bethel Harbor and Sugar Barge RV Resort and Marina were present, passing out information on the California Delta. Certificates for free launches, free gas and a giant floating rubber duck, donated by Vice Mayor Steve Barr, were presented at the free raffle. “Downtown Brentwood rocks!” said Barr. “These events are great for our historic downtown and the residents of Brentwood.”

The north end of First Street focused on kids. Got a Party jumpy houses and the Tumble Time Bus are weekly regulars at Downtown Thursdays and offer tons a fun for a small fee. Emporium, Cap’s, La Fuente, Sweeney’s and Pho Vietnam offer a $7 entree delivered by DBC runners to the street dining tables and local businesses.

“The food is great and a great price, too,” said one of the guests. “These kids are doing a super job running to the restaurants to pick up and deliver the food.”

To view Sherman’s Car Show slideshow, visit www.brentwooddowntown.com and go to the News & Events page in the Car Show category.