OCEANSIDE — South Oceanside Elementary playground will be filled with hundreds of rat rods, hot rods and classic cars this Saturday, March 19. The annual car show fundraiser brings together car and motorcycle enthusiasts and raises money for fifth-grade camp, PE equipment and library books.
On Saturday spectators can view cars, buy refreshments, check out vendor booths and participate in opportunity drawings.
All efforts help raise funds and create an engaging family day.
There will also be a celebrity dunk tank, live music and 1960s dragsters on display.
Event organizer Dino Iacovino says the show rivals top car fundraisers put on by high schools.
Iacovino is a PTO dad and car buff.
He came up with the idea of a car show fundraiser four years ago.
He said it took PTO moms a pause before they warmed up to the idea. Once the car show was implemented it took off.
The first year 218 cars showed up. Since then close to 300 vehicles participate each year.
“It keeps getting better,” Iacovino said. “The support from the local community and racing community is tremendous. The show is more than I dreamed it would be.”
All types of cars and motorcycles are welcome. Twenty trophies are awarded for the best in show for a wide range of categories.
“If it has four wheels or two wheels and a motor, bring it,” Iacovino said. “Expect to see the wildest to the mildest cars.”
Spectators can view American classic cars that range from the 1930s to 1960s, along with street rods and roadsters.
Many of the car owners are former students of the school.
Others are from San Diego and Orange County.
“They love coming back here,” Iacovino said. “It’s a homegrown show.”
An added event this year, following the show, will be a car cruise down Pacific Coast Highway and allowance for the group to drive on The Strand.
The South Oceanside Car Show will be held March 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a car cruise to follow.
