ENCINITAS — The Encinitas Classic Car Nights series is a go for the summer as organizers announced they had reined in enough sponsors to pay for some additional costs.
Last month, Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association officials expressed concern that the venerable classic-car display would be in jeopardy due to a recent change with the event.
The popular summer classic-car display — which also includes live bands and event themes — was held in several empty lots in downtown Encinitas, but those lots are being developed, which recently forced the association to receive permission from the City Council to close portions of F, G and H Streets to accommodate the event. The council granted the approval at its April 20 meeting amid some opposition from local residents.
But officials said that the community responded overwhelmingly to the association’s call for sponsors to help defray the cost associated with the street closures.
“This is a special season for Classic Car Nights.” Encinitas 101 MainStreet Director Thora Guthrie said. “We have had lots of support and cooperation to make it happen.”
One of the main groups to step up was O’Reilly Auto Parts, which was designated as the title sponsor.
Thursday marked the opening night of the summer-long display, which runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. every third Thursday of May through September. It featured Little Guys Street Rods at the “Smog Lot,” the Mercedes Club at Charlie’s Foreign Car, and the Southern California Shelbys at Sof Spray Car Wash. The Retro Rockets kicked off the event from the main stage at the “Smog Lot” and DJ Boyd entertained at the Lumberyard Courtyard.
The classic car events are free and open to the public. For more information about upcoming events, visit encinitas101.com.
