Cruisin’ Nationals Car Show Driving Visitors and Business to Santa Maria
SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Santa Maria is the center of the custom car universe with the annual West Coast Kustoms Cruisin’ Nationals rolling into town this weekend.
Hundreds of one-of-a-kind custom cars will be cruising the streets during the three-day event, which kicks off on Friday night with the popular cruise on Broadway.
“You will not be disappointed in the 2016 Cruisin’ Nationals,” said Penny Pichette, the event’s director and widow of Rich Pichette, who founded the event 35 years ago.
This year’s event will also include the feature car show at the Santa Maria Fairpark on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29. On display will be hundreds of American-made autos that were all manufactured before 1961.
Among the cars at the Fairpark will be the original “Batmobile” that was featured on the hit TV show starring Adam West and Burt Ward during the 1960’s. Designed exclusively for the show in 1966, the 1955 Ford Lincoln Futura is expected to be one of the marquee draws at the show.
The annual event is expected to be a huge financial windfall for Santa Maria-area businesses. Not only does the show draw in car owners, it also attracts thousands of visitors to the city as well, filling in hotels, motels, restaurants and shops.
During the cruise on Friday night, Broadway will be closed between Cook Street and Stowell Road from 6:15 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Santa Maria Police officers will be on scene providing traffic enforcement, and will be on the look-out for reckless driving, street racing, and for drivers under the influence. Patrol funding will be provided by the State Office of Traffic Safety.
Saturday’s event at the Santa Maria Fairpark will include auto displays, live music and live auction. On Sunday, the same schedule of events will be held, and will also include a swap meet. Proceeds from the weekend auction will benefit Alzheimer’s research and families impacted by the disease.
Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, (60 years old and older), $5 for active military with identification; and free for children (10 years and younger).
For more information, visit www.westcoastkustoms.com
