Annual classic car cruise and show returns

Posted: 7:35 am, September 1, 2015 by Reporter Heather Young

– The annual Golden State Classics Cruise Night will take Friday in downtown Paso Robles from 6 to 8 p.m. The event, which takes place each year over Labor Day weekend, begins Friday, Sept. 4 with a pre-1979 classic cars cruise. The next day, the cars will be on display in Downtown City Park from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Sunday, participants are invited to tour the city’s entertainment spots from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

According to the car club, more than 300 people are expected to participate in this year’s event, which is hosted by the club and supported by the city of Paso Robles. Last year, organizer Russ Johnson said there were 330 cars registered with the streets full of people Friday night and the park full on Saturday. In past years, the car club has co-hosted the event with the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce, but decided to host it on its own with support from the city.

The cruise begins at the south end of the Paso Robles Event Center parking lot on Riverside Avenue and goes up 21st Street to Spring Street then along Spring Street between 24th and 6th streets.

All participating cars must be finished, licensed, and insured. The cost to participate in one or both is $45 per car. All registrations include a T-shirt. The registration form can be found at Golden State Classics Car Club’s website. During the car show there is a raffle and silent auction in the park. Awards are given in different classes around 2 p.m. on Saturday. There are 23 classes, plus awards given for Best of Show, Mayor’s Choice, President’s Choice, Police Chief’s Choice and Birchfield Memorial. A winner and a runner up are selected for each class and only winner for the special awards.

The car club was founded in 1986 by nine individuals who wanted to preserve and enjoy all types of antique, classic and custom cars and trucks. Members range in age from 21 to 80 years. The oldest cars were made in 1923 and the newest in 1976. The family-oriented club participates in at least one event each month. Some of the events are in Paso Robles and others as far away as Los Angeles or San Francisco.

To become a member, a person must have a current member in good standing sponsor him or her, complete a membership application and attend three club functions within a three-month period. Once those requirements have been completed, the board will vote on membership.