PASO ROBLES -- Classic car fanatics put their feet on the gas over Labor Day weekend, taking a joyride through Paso Robles.
The 2012 Paso Robles Classic Car Weekend featured a Friday cruise down Spring Street, a Saturday afternoon car show in Downtown City Park and a Sunday poker run through the vineyards.
According to Golden State Classics President Russ Johnson, 316 pre-1979 automobiles registered for the weekend. He said the crowd seemed more robust than usual.
“I've noticed this year, there's a lot more spectators and people interested in the cars,” Johnson said. He added that an event of this magnitude cannot be done alone — it is truly a community effort.
The weekend was sponsored by the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce, city of Paso Robles and Golden State Classics.
“This would not be possible without the support of the local merchants as well as the individuals who have supported this event,” Johnson said.
Raffle tickets were sold benefiting local charities. At the end of the year, the local car club will choose which charities will receive the funds.
“The local sponsors and the charity aspect of the car show weekend are what really matter to us the most,” Johnson said.
Of course, cars – of all shapes, sizes and horse power – were at the heart of the weekend. Rows and rows of manicured automobiles glittered in the sunlight Saturday in Downtown City Park.
Hap Harbert of Arroyo Grande entered his 1940 Ford Super Deluxe Woody into Saturday's car show competition. Completely restored with the original motor, fresh wood paneling and new tires made the ultimate surfer’s ride gleam.
“This is how we built them in high school years ago,” said Harbert. “I was a surfer back in Los Angeles in the 50s and 60s. Gas was 25 cents a gallon back then, and we didn't have a care. Some of us were lucky enough to keep our Woody all these years.”
Each section of the park featured a different kind of auto, from clean, classic trucks to wicked-looking muscle cars and beyond. Regardless of the make and model, the love of yesteryear brought each facet together for a peek under the hood last weekend.
“There are guys who do street rods, Corvette guys, Mustang guys,” said Harbert. “We all kind of hang together.”
Visit www.pasorobleschamber.com for more information.
No comments:
Post a Comment