Heading for a ‘Cruise Night’
About 50,000 people attended Glendale’s 21st annual Cruise Night, an increase of roughly 10,000 attendees. Organizers attribute the jump to the event’s inaugural fireworks show.
PHOTOS: 21st Annual Glendale Cruise Night
“This year was a lot busier,” said Onnig Bulanikian, a community services manager with the city.
In addition to viewing 285 pre-1979 cars, spectators were serenaded by the Kingsmen, a rock ‘n’ roll band that cooed the classic hit “Louie Louie” in honor of the song’s 50th anniversary and by Abbey Road, a Beatles tribute band.
The fireworks display, which went off around 10:20 p.m., lasted for about three minutes.
The $45,000 event was fully-covered by sponsors, such as the Downtown Glendale Assn. and the Brand Boulevard of Cars.
Glendale officials in the past used redevelopment funds to pay the $100,000-tab for Cruise Night, Bulanikian said, but that resource was cut by state lawmakers in 2012.
Since then, officials have trimmed the event to pare the costs and partnered with corporate sponsors.
The 10 car categories and winners this year were:
Mayor’s Trophy — Richard Tupper, 1936 Seagrave Silverback
City Manager’s Trophy — Larry Peterson, 1968 Dodge Charger
Downtown Glendale Assn.’s Trophy — Joe Barrios, 1965 Backdraft Cobra
Brand Blvd of Cars’ Trophy — Rafi Kureghian, 1958 Jaguar XJ 150
Police Chief’s Trophy — David Coulter, 1965 Pontiac GTO
Fire Chief’s Trophy — Aram Kazazian, 1969 Chevy Chevelle
Director of Community Services & Parks’ Trophy — Nareg Khodadadi, 1969 Chevy C 20 Pick-up
Director of Economic Development’s Trophy — Ara Rostam, 1952 Willies M 38
General Manager of Water & Power’s Trophy — Vic Nahabedian, 1952 MG
Director of Public Works’ Trophy — George Mirzoian, 1947 Plymouth Special Deluxe