So far, the timing of the forecast does not seem like it will rain out the 2017 inaugural edition of the famed Cruise Nite, Ventura County’s original car show held in historic Downtown Santa Paula.
Hundreds of cars start to line up early for Cruise Nite, which closes East Main Street from 10th to 7th streets so hundreds of pre-1975 vehicles can be displayed. Even side streets are closed for more parking room.
Scheduled to play rock and roll for the 19th inaugural Cruise Nite is a favorite band, Johnny & The Love Handles.
“I’ve been watching those weather reports,” said Santa Paula Police Commander Ish Cordero said Wednesday afternoon. “They’re forecasting rain here late Friday and into Saturday morning, so it looks like we’re safe. We’ve only been rained out once before, so I’ll keep watching those weather stations,” and check on the potential storm on a regular basis.
The forecast calls for partly cloudy Thursday, rain late Friday evening with some more wet weather into Saturday morning when it might bump up against the Succulent Sale benefitting America in Bloom Santa Paula and Future Farmers of America.
But skies are supposed to clear early and bring sunshine including over Red Hot Foods/Santa Paula Salsa Co., 820 Railroad Ave. where the sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
And that’s rain or shine, according to AIB President Gary Nasalroad although he’s betting the former won’t appear Saturday.
“They’re talking rain for Friday — when we’re trying to get everything set up — but not Saturday, just a low overcast. We’re going for it,” he said of the sale.
The assortment of plants is dazzling: “We have added the most beautiful supply of flowering plants, we’re going to have gorgeous hanging baskets as well as a the great succulents.
“With the rain we’ve had this year people may be in the mood now for flowering plants for a bit more of color,” and for contrast to the fleshy, drought tolerant succulents.
Rain, snow, sun, wind, clouds, whatever Mother Nature might throw AIB and the FFA’s way, “We’re on,” Nasalroad said, “regardless!”
Cruise Nite runs from April through October.
