ENCINITAS — The Encinitas 101 Main Street Association is seeking sponsors to keep alive its Classic Car Cruise Nights, which officials said are 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.
Now, the association is scrambling to pay for the added cost associated with the street closures.
“The community has come to love this event as a part of our culture and summertime fun,” Encinitas 101 Executive Director Thora Guthrie said. “It would be a shame to let it die because of these added costs. We are hoping that such a beloved event will bring support from local businesses and car enthusiasts.”
Guthrie said local businesses receive a boost from the cruise nights, which attract hundreds of people to the downtown area.
Businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring the cruise nights, which are held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. every third Thursday from May to September, are asked to contact Encinitas 101 Main Street by visiting the website encinitas101.com.
