400 Vehicles Expected for 7th Cruise Night

Car enthusiasts will enjoy an evening of muscle, music and munchies at Glendale’s seventh annual Cruise Night on Saturday where 400 hot rods and classic and antique cars will be displayed along Brand Boulevard.

The free public event from 6 to 10 p.m. has become one of Glendale’s more popular traditions and will be extended from four blocks to five between Broadway and Doran.

Hundreds of pre-1972 classic cars and hot rods will be displayed along Brand Boulevard while swing orchestra Flat Top Tom & His Jump Cats and blues group L.A. Bluescasters will provide live entertainment from two stages.

George Bistagne of Glendale has entered seven of his 1932 classic Fords since the program was established in 1994. “It’s a really nice affair that gets bigger every year,” he said.

According to car show coordinator Gerry Milota, car buffs will compete for several awards from city officials and local businesses.

Plans for Cruise Night began in 1994 when the city of Pasadena hosted the World Cup final. Glendale city officials wanted an event that would attract both tourists and community members.

The Cruise Night event was so popular that city officials decided to stage it annually. Last year about 28,000 attended, and this year promoters expect the event to draw at least 30,000.

“It’s really grown, and it’s a wonderful feeling to see families walking down the street,” said Annet Peairs, one of the event’s promoters. The city budget has allotted $60,000 for this year’s event.

For the first time, Cruise Night will also feature National Night Out, sponsored by the Glendale Police Department. The program offers gun and seat-belt safety displays, dunk tanks, games and an opportunity for kids to be photographed with a police motorcycle.

Businesses also benefit from this night of metal and music. According to Damon’s restaurant general manager Lawrence “Moe” Elliott, his business increases about 20% to 25% during Cruise Night.

“I think it’s one of the greatest things around,” Elliot said. “All the businesses do well during the event.”

For more information on Cruise Night, call (818) 548-6464.