Cruisin’ the boulevard for a night

The sounds of revving engines and music from the 1960s will combine for a classic night of family fun Saturday when the city and Brand Boulevard of Cars host the 15th annual Glendale Cruise Night.

More than 400 pre-1973 vehicles, including American and foreign cars as well as light pickups, will be on display up and down Brand Boulevard from Doran Street to Broadway.

In addition to the cars, there will be lots of activities for the whole family, said Ross Phares, chairman of the 15-member steering committee that started planning the event in October.

“It’s a fun event and very family oriented,” said Phares, who is also community services manager for the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. “It appeals to little children who can have their face painted or can play games at the Park and Play Truck parked at Brand and Broadway.”

Restaurants will be open, bands will be performing on a stage at Brand and Wilson Avenue and the Glendale Park Rangers are bringing a climbing wall, Phares said.

Representatives from the city’s Police Department, K-9 unit as well as the Fire Department will attend.

On California Avenue, between Orange Street and Maryland Avenue, tables will be set up with representatives from the Republican and Democratic clubs, Glendale Rose Float Assn., Glendale Relay for Life, Glendale Healthy Kids will be tell the public about their groups, Phares said. Oldies radio station, KRTH-FM (101), will be broadcasting live and ABC-TV Channel 7 will be filming, Phares said.

Cruise Night is one of the most significant family events put on by the city, said Bob McFall, assistant city manager.

“Not often does the city have the opportunity to close down a street for people to dance in the street and listen to music and look at cars and intermingle with 30,000 citizens who have come down to do the same thing,” McFall said.

Entertainers scheduled to perform are Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, the Tokens, the Surfaris and special guest Keith, who had a hit with the song “98.6” that was released in 1967.

In choosing the entertainment, the steering committee booked acts suggested by Brian Beirne, a former disc jockey with KRTH-FM (101). He will host the musical portion of the show.

“We’ve tried to select groups that fit not only the car culture but a family event night,” Beirne said. “And this music has been passed on from generation to generation. Its a fun night for everybody.”

One of the attractions that the event offers car owners is that they can leave their car and go shopping, see a movie or have dinner, Phares said.

“Your classic car is parked there and it’s safe,” he said.

The cars will be judged in eight categories and winners receive trophies, Phares said.

This year’s celebrity judge is Kent McCord from the “Adam-12” television show.

Vying in this year’s competition is Glendale resident Paula Babakhanloo, who is showing a 1956 Dodge Royal Lancer, which is co-owned by herself and her father, Rubik Babakhanloo.

Her father bought the car five years ago when she got her driver’s license, Paula Babakhanloo said. He started taking her to car shows when she was 10 years old, she said.

“It’s fun,” Paula Babakhanloo said. “I’ve always liked old cars. I share this hobby with my dad.”