Sunny skies and an open highway are expected to draw more hot rods, low riders, Corvettes, Mustangs and mini trucks — think Datsuns or Nissans — to the coast this weekend.
Now in its 32nd year, Sea Cruise, Del Norte’s classic car extravaganza, is shaping up to be stronger than ever, said Cindy Vosburg, executive director of the Crescent City-Del Norte County Chamber of Commerce.
About 100 people have registered to flaunt their ride as of Tuesday, she told Redwood Voice Community News. This celebration of chrome, rubber and community will start with the Show & Shine and a two-way sanctioned cruise. A sneak preview of what’s in store at Beachfront Park on Saturday, these events will be held on Friday alongside the Downtown Divas’ First Friday.
On Saturday, people will be able to vote for their favorite classic rides in a variety of classes, including a mini truck class, which is new this year, Vosburg said. There will be three judges that will help break ties, she said.
“Sea Cruise is so important because it’s the last big push that fills up motel rooms, restaurants and stores before our slow season sets in, so it’s a great opportunity for local businesses and the economy,” she said, adding that she’s been taking registrations as they come. “I have people coming in all the way from Nebraska. They come in from all over Oregon and Washington and, of course, Northern California. It’s just so much fun talking to these people. They’re so excited about it.”
For many years, the chamber has hosted Sea Cruise with the Northern Knights Car Club. Not only is it the last big community celebration before winter sets in, but it’s also a chance for the Northern Knights to raise money for youth scholarships and other programs.
Forty-four local businesses also chip in to help put the car show on including its major sponsors, Lucky 7 Casino and Hotel, Elk Valley Casino, Potter Real Estate Group, Les Schwab Tires and Lisa McKeon State Farm Insurance, Vosburg said.
In addition to registering by mail, over the phone or by clicking here, participants can also register at Crescent Land and Title on Friday.
“Something that is different than previous years in my memory is the cruise itself will be a two-way cruise,” Vosburg told Redwood Voice. “Typically all the cars go in one direction side by side or they end up in single file. This year, the Northern Knights wanted to see how it would be if we did two-way traffic and so the city agreed and the Chief of Police agreed to it.”
The cruise starts on 3rd Street to K Street and wends its way down K to 5th Street before looping around again to 3rd Street via F.
The Downtown Divas will be set up in the parking lot behind Paragon Coffee House with vendors, refreshments and live music.
Crescent City will also open the art gallery on Friday from 4:30-7:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for a special showing of “Safe Keeping” — The Art of Val Polyanin.
On Saturday, cars will be brought into Beachfront Park via 3rd Street to I Street to Front Street and onto Stamps Way due to road construction. Judging will be held from 10 a.m.-noon and trophies will be awarded at 3 p.m.
There will be food vendors and a beer garden. Wild Rivers Music will provide the soundtrack.
“It’s the biggest outdoor event other than the 4th of July that we have in Crescent City,” Vosburg said. “And there’ll be lots of good food and good company.”
