16th season of Cruise Nite ends but come April
the fun will be back

October 10, 2014
Santa Paula News

A sassy red 1965 Honda S600 Roadster was getting longing looks from passersby at Friday’s last Cruise Nite of the season, but just west of it was the car that could have won a prize for coming the farthest... the sweet 1971 blue Plymouth 440 GTX Six Pack had been driven by its new owner all the way from Nebraska. 

Mick Lance of Simi Valley had taken a chance and purchased the rare vehicle - one of only 62 manufactured with 26,000 original miles - on eBay, but the car ran fine... just until about the end of the approximately 1,300 mile trip when it decided to act up and shut down.

Lance is proud that the early muscle car lasted as long as it did before it let him know it needed some work, but the blue beauty with the decorative hood locks looked brand new as it sat on East Main Street Friday and drew a crowd of curious car lovers.

As it should: “It’s a museum car,” said Lance, who purchased the rare Plymouth about four weeks ago.

Lance said it was his second visit to a Santa Paula Cruise Nite - the last time was several years ago - but he plans on being back when the new season starts in April, if not before.

He noted, “This is a great little town!” with plenty of restaurants to try.

Lance’s car would definitely look good on the Cruise Nite T-shirts, each month of the season featuring a displayed car and designed by Wendell Dowling.

Santa Paula Police Commander Ish Cordero said Friday sales had been particularly good: “The last Cruise Nite everyone wants a T-shirt... the design is always really nice.”

Also nice was the mild weather: “It’s really a perfect night,” for the close of Cruise Nite’s 16th season, said Cordero.

Cruise Nite, co-sponsored by the Santa Paula Police Officers Association and Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce, features all pre-1975 vehicles.

One of Santa Paula’s most famous attractions the event offers not only classic cars - from Corvette and Model Ts to low-riders and Rolls Royces - and trucks but also live musical entertainment as well as the chance to grab a snack or sit down dinner at the variety of downtown area restaurants, many offering CN specials. 

Johnny & The Love Handles, the band that had opened the 16th Cruise Nite season in April, was back for the October season closer.

Coordinated by Henry Aguilar and Dave Anderson, Cruise Nite  draws thousands of visitors from Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties that admire the cars parked along the closed off East Main and on some side streets between 10th and 7th.  

Whether date night or family night Cruise Nite is also a strong draw for photographers and video-graphers that enjoy Cruise Nite’s numerous picture perfect possibilities. The event is a favorite for bloggers who take photos and instantly share them urging others to come join the fun.

The first Cruise Nite in Ventura County, the event has been recognized as the Best Car Show in the county as well as for its boost to the local economy and the city’s image.

“I’m sad it’s the last Cruise Nite of the season; I love it,” said Police Chief Steve McLean. “It’s a real good, positive event, good for the merchants and good for the community.”

But will Cruise Nite return for its 17th season?

“Dave and I were talking about it,” said Aguilar, and we dedicated yeah, let’s do it again... we’ve gotten a lot of new people, a lot of new cars and actually, if it was up to the Downtown merchants we’d have it year round!”

Those that display their cars as well as visitors start calling months in advance to make sure Cruise Nite will be back, “Asking about it... and that” said Aguilar, “is what we like.”  

Cruise Nite will return for its 17th season on Friday, April 3, 2015. 





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