By Crystal Harrell
Classic car aficionados and automobile enthusiasts are in store for a treat as the El Paseo Cruise Night celebrates its 10-year anniversary on Friday, November 4. Drivers will meet at the Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert, located on the upper level of the parking structure.
“We all share a common passion for automobiles. Cars were and still are a very important part of our lives. Many years ago, after going to several local car shows we thought, ‘why not have a place where you could drive your car and cruise with other car owners?’ Living in Palm Desert, it was a no-brainer. El Paseo Boulevard was the perfect place to start a Cruise Night,” shared Co-Founder of El Paseo Cruise Night, Jerry Martin.
Drivers are expected to arrive starting at 2 p.m. and the cars will begin cruising at 4:15 p.m. If guests do not own a car to cruise with, they are still encouraged to come and view the cars and meet the owners. At 4:15 p.m., there will be a few announcements as the event introduces the Guest MC for the evening. Then at 4:3 0p.m., it will be time to cruise.
“We want everyone to come and enjoy the evenings whether you own a classic or custom car or not. Everyone is welcome! Come on down, see all the cars, do some shopping, have dinner and just have a great time,” said El Paseo Cruise Night Co-founder Judy Martin.
If you are not able to make this November event, there will also be a holiday event in December on the 2nd also located at El Paseo & The Gardens. Cars will begin arriving starting at 2 p.m and begin cruising at 4:15 p.m. Cruising will end at 5 p.m. Special holiday events include the opportunity to take a picture with Santa, the music of Christmas carolers, and much more. A holiday concert will also take place on the lawn at The Gardens.
The cars cruise back and forth on El Paseo beginning at 4:15pm. The turn-a-round places are as follows; to the west where the four-way stop is at the intersection of the California Pizza Kitchen and the Daily Grill; and to the east where the Bank of America building is. Please be careful when making U-Turns in this area.
All drivers participating in an El Paseo Cruise Night event must obey the laws of the City of Palm Desert. All cars must be in operating condition and be street legal, and must have current tags, license plates and proof of insurance. Music within vehicles should not be heard past one car length. No “For Sale” signs are permitted. If you would like to sell your car, you may do so on the official event website, www.elpaseocruisenight.com.
Alcohol or drug consumption is not allowed and the event advises against open headers on the cars’ exhaust system. Seat belts must be worn at all times and there must be a seat belt for each person in the vehicle. Any violators of these rules will be escorted away from the Cruise Night El Paseo event.
“We want to make each Cruise Night a fun-filled event and an opportunity to show off your car by driving back and forth on El Paseo Boulevard. We are bringing back the ‘Good Ole’ Days of Cruising,” said Judy.
For more information on the event and to see a calendar of upcoming events throughout the year, visit the official event website www.elpaseocruisenight.com.
