Hundreds of vintage and customized automobiles will roll into Santa Maria for the three-day “Cruisin’ Nationals” event, held May 27 to 29 at the Santa Maria Fairpark.
This year’s event honors Rich Pichette, who founded West Coast Kustoms and spearheaded the “Cruisin’ Nationals” event, now in its 30th year. Pichette recently passed away due to complications related to Alzheimer’s disease, and a custom 1954 Mercury Roadster will be on display in his memory.
The event kicks off with a “Santa Maria City Cruise” on May 27 from 7 to 9 p.m., beginning at Stowell Road and South Broadway and continuing to West Main Street. On May 28 at 8 a.m., spectators are invited to the Santa Maria Fairpark to enjoy auto-related vendors, a model car show, live music, and an auction benefiting Alzheimer’s research. Admission is $12 for adults ($20 for a two-day pass); $6 for seniors ages 60 and older; free for kids ages 10 and younger; and free for active military with identification.
At 5 p.m., a variety of cars will be in action at the Santa Maria Speedway. Admission is $14 for adults, and kids get in free. Rancho Bowl will host an after-party at 7 p.m., with live music for those ages 18 and older. Admission is $10.
To cap off the weekend, the Santa Maria Fairpark will host a swap meet at 7 a.m. on May 29, with exhibitions and events opening at 8 a.m. Admission is $12 for adults ($20 for a two-day pass); $6 for seniors ages 60 and older; free for kids ages 10 and younger; and free for active military with identification.
For more information, visit westcoastkustoms.com.
This article appears in May 12-19, 2011.