A Chevrolet Scottsdale makes its way down Main Street for the Old School Low Riders car show on May 30. (Photos by Emily Baierl)
Lowriders and classic cars rolled into downtown Lake Elsinore on May 30 for the first installment of the Summer Cruise Nights series presented by the Downtown Merchants Association.
The first of three themed events, “Old School Low Riders,” brought about 75 vehicles to Main Street from 5 to 8 p.m. Alongside the cars, the event featured food vendors, local businesses, a DJ, raffles and bounce houses for kids.
The car show series was created to celebrate different automotive cultures while drawing attention to downtown businesses, according to Downtown Merchants Association President Tina Breese.
“We decided to do a couple different shows to bring different cultures and just an overall different vibe to downtown Main Street,” Breese said.
Upcoming shows include a “Sock Hop Classic Cars” event on June 27 and a “Fast and Fun Exotics” car show on July 25. Organizers said the events are intended to build a stronger connection between residents and local businesses.
“These events bring people down here, it brings revenue to our businesses down here, and that’s what it’s all about, seeing our businesses thrive,” Breese said.
The Downtown Merchants Association organizes community events throughout the year and works alongside the city to support downtown businesses. Breese said creating spaces for residents to gather is an important part of that mission.
“I just want to bring the community together,” she said. “As we grow as a community, we are going to grow as families.”
For many participants, the event was about sharing a personal passion. Lake Elsinore resident Fernando Mendez showcased his 1965 Chevrolet Corvair, a model he once owned in his early 20s before losing it years ago.
“When I saw this car again, I thought, ‘You know, I need to get my car back,’” Mendez said. “So, I bought this one and I started fixing it up.”
Mendez said he enjoys bringing his car to shows because many people have never seen one like it.
“It’s kind of unique,” he said. “People sometimes even ask what kind of car that is.”
Another Lake Elsinore resident, Jerome Valentine, brought his 2006 Chevrolet Corvette convertible and said he decided to participate to “support the neighborhood and the community.”
“I’ve had it for about eight years,” he said. “When I retired, I had always wanted a Corvette, so I got what I wanted.”
The event also drew participants from neighboring communities. Murrieta resident Mike Tarin brought his 1966 Chevrolet C10 truck, which he purchased eight months ago. He said the vehicle has given him and his wife a new hobby to enjoy together.
“The truck kind of provides us an outlet to go and be together and to go meet new people and do new events that we’ve never done before,” Tarin said.
He said he enjoys interacting with community members at events like this.
“I like that the kids and the younger people come up to the car, they ask questions,” he said. “I bought little stickers for the kids so they can have a sticker.”
Representatives from local car clubs also participated.
“We were asked by the city if we wanted to collaborate with them on this event and participate and kick it off,” said Harvey Jimenez, vice president of Lake Side Car Club. “We have about 10 cars associated with our club here today.”
Jimenez said the club originally started in the 1970s before going quiet for several years. It was revived about five years ago.
“Me and my brother Ozzy resurrected the club with a new image and new purpose,” he said.
As part of that mission, the Lake Side Car Club regularly hosts and participates in community events.
“We do a Christmas toy giveaway, we do a Day of the Dead event, a Spring Fling with Wildomar Elementary and we do backpack giveaways at the outlets with Studio 395,” Jimenez said. “So there’s a few events that we do that help the community and help our local kids.”
With individual car owners and local car clubs taking part, Breese said the first event drew strong community interest.
“Everyone is really excited and I’ve had a lot of positive reactions,” Breese said. “Come down and enjoy yourselves at these events.”
Summer Cruise Nights will return to Historic Main Street on June 27 with a classic car theme. For more information, visit the Summer Cruise Nights website.
