A massive collaboration of car lovers and positive community members Community members and car
lovers alike congregated on Grand Avenue to experience an immaculate display of classic cars on Sept. 4 in Escondido.
According to the website, Cruisin’ Grand is a free, community event held
every Friday from April to September, where participants are encouraged to show off their cars, trucks, tractors and anything in between.
Cruisin’ Grand hosts live music, raffles, and contests for hot rod enthusiasts, families, and anyone drawn to Escondido’s downtown strip. Seven blocks, starting from Escondido Boulevard until Valley Boulevard, are jam- packed with vehicles that range from the original 1920 Ford Model T, to the
classic 1969 Plymouth Barracuda, up to modern luxury cars and muscle re- makes.
This weekend’s event was focused on Inliners; cars that have all cylinders in the engine placed in a straight row and was presented by Hot Rods & Custom Stuff.
Areas that generated the largest crowds were, of course, where live music was performed. Maple Street Plaza was home to the group Hoodoo Blues Band playing as mix of jazz and up-beat blues to set the atmosphere around a collection of 1950s-1960s drag cars.
Paul Hendrickson, the owner of a 1955 Chevy 210 on display, called them “Gasser” cars. Henderickson explained that the Maple Street plaza was a place of nostalgia for him and his friends.
“We always used to park our Camaros on Maple Street,” he explained. When asked why he decided to restore his ‘55 Chevy, Hendrickson simply stated “I always wanted a Gasser.”
Along Broadway, patrons were greeted by an array of advertising booths attempting to either generate followers, income, or donations.
Rapid Transmissions and its president, Jim Alexander, were present with a 1970 Chevy C-10 truck up for raffle. Rapid Transmissions is an auto repair mechanic shop based out of San Di- ego. Alexander stated that to be part of this raffle participants were required to donate $20. The goal behind this raffle was to sell 5,000 raffle tickets in order to support the Warrior Foundation.
The Warrior Foundation is aimed to assist wounded veterans acclimate back to a civilian life style. Accord- ing to Alexander, Rapid Transmissions donates 100 percent of the fundraised proceeds to the Warrior Foundation.
There are only three events left this
year. Sept. 18 with a beer and wine tasting for those 21 and over, Sept. 25 with the winner’s circle, and Oct. 2 which is the final night.
For more information, visit Cruisin’ Grand’s website at cruisingrand.com
Image Sources
- A&E.CruzinGrand.feature-1: Yvette Monteleone/The Telescope | All Rights Reserved