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National News / Entertainment

Friday, 21 September, 2012 7:41 PM

Attendance a little lower at 2012 Route 66 Rendezvous in San Bernardino, Calif.

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

A red Dodge Charger and a black 1956 Chevy Bel Air at the 23rd Annual Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous.

 

by Jason Rzucidlo
americajr@americajr.com

 

|

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. -- More than 1,700 classic cars, hot rods and custom cars were expected to participate in the 23rd Annual Route 66 Rendezvous. However, the actual number of cars was closer to 1,600, according to event organizers. This year's attendance figures came in at less than 400,000, a drop of about 50,000 from 2011. Temperatures were pushing the 100's for all three days of the festival. The Rendezvous took place over four days on the streets of downtown San Bernardino from Thursday, Sept. 13 through Sunday, Sept. 16.

There were many possible reasons for the slight decline in attendance and participants: the city's bankruptcy, the high temperatures and even the possibility of attendees being at another big event across town, the IndyCar championships in Fontana, Calif.

"I try to make it here every year," said Martin Willis, a festival goer from Redlands, Calif. "I just got here so hopefully we'll have a good turnout and be lots of people here. Classic cars--that's what brings me out. I like a whole lot of cars. There's usually a guy that comes out with a nice '65 Riviera that I like. There's also a couple of really old Cadillacs and Lincolns, low riders like this Chevy pickup truck. I'm not set on one make or model, I like them all, everything. I bought some shirts. I come out and get some shirts every year. I have a '67 Mustang fastback and a '70 El Camino. I'm not one for bringing my cars out and having people walk around them and stuff. They're just for driving. They usually have a good band here every year."

Several awards were given out in the following categories: burnout, neon lights, open header and model car. Rick Rodriguez of Riverside, Calif. won the neon light contest in the Old Skool category with his '49 Deluxe Oldsmobile. Meanwhile, Hegel Quezada won the neon light contest in the LED category with his '65 Chevelle Malibu SS.

"I've had the car for about 35 years," said Wayne Winters, a car owner from Yucca Valley, Calif. "I made this conversion back in the early '80s. It's been the same ever since. It was a Plymouth Valiant two-door custom hardtop that I turned into a pickup truck now. It's got a Chrysler 360 cubic engine with a four-barrel carburetor. It's got a faux or imitation fuel injection system. I really don't have a clue to the top horsepower. I've been coming here every year for about 13 years. We were here last year, but not with the car. It's kind of getting where I only drive it to car shows, four or five times a year."

Brian Buhl of Boulder City, Nevada won the open header contest in the best sounding category with his '70 Nova. David Wishaw won the open header contest in the highest decibel category. Chris Nohfer from Valencia, Calif. won the burnout contest his with '69 Mustang.

"It is our first time here, we came out from Orange County," said Meredith Kirby of Orange, Calif. "It's pretty cool, we're looking forward to the neon lights show. I like the Mustangs and all of the classic stuff from the '50s especially like T-birds and Chevys. I'm liking the '60s and '70s cars too. We've watched a little bit of Jonny Come Lately. We're looking forward to the kid rockabilly band. There was some sausage they were giving out. It was pretty good. I just wish it would cool down a bit, it feels like it's going to."

Her friend, Kristof Nadasdi, added: "We like the bands too and all of the cars, it's awesome. My favorite car is right here, this Notchback. I'm a VW guy and I just love the Notchbacks. We had the barbecue sausage but haven't checked out all of the food yet. There's a lot of great food. We're just getting started. There is still a lot to see."

Since the city of San Bernardino has declared bankruptcy, Rendezvous organizers have been asking for donations to keep the annual event in the city. To become a "Friend of Rendezvous" and make a donation, visit www.route-66.org.

"I've never really raced it so I don't know the top horsepower," said Robert McBay, owner of a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. "I don't really take it on the freeway. The gearation is set up for in town from light to light. It's quicker in town. I put in bucket seats instead of the bench seat. People often think it was a factory option. It looks like it matches the car after I installed them. There's been quite a few things done to it and a little things too. Before you know it, you have a car that's complete, you're happy. Even if you don't drive it all of the time, it's in the garage and you can look at it. I've been to the Rendezvous for eight, maybe nine years."

Jonny Come Lately performed on Friday at 6 p.m. In addition, Mad Max and The Wild Ones entertained audiences at 7:30 p.m. that evening. Other performers throughout the weekend included Wild Child, Neil Morrow, Ashley's Midnite Riders, Cold Duck and the Restless Blues Band.

"This is my first time here on Route 66," said Tyler Bennett, who recently moved from Georgia to Loma Linda, Calif. "They've got some sweet cars, better than east coast. I like the Chevrolets, the Bel Airs. I hear there's a Doors tribute band tomorrow and I love The Doors. Hopefully, I can check them out. I haven't had anything to eat yet. If I had to choose a car to drive, I'd like to drive a rat rod or a Mazda RX-7. I hope everyone has fun."

San Bernardino-based supermarket chain Stater Bros. was the title sponsor of the entire Route 66 Rendezvous. They also sponsored the family fun zone, which featured carnival rides and much more.

"It's a 1929 Ford Roadster," said Susan Flores, a car owner from Highland, Calif. "It's what I call a chick magnet car. It has a ZZ4 engine, which is like a 350 engine with a 7-inch rearend. It's a fast, little toy. We have a lot of fun with it. We tore it down and rebuilt it. It was stock when we first got the car. We turned around and took out the handles and the rumbles and we took out the sidesteps on the running board. We just souped it up and made it a hot rod. I couldn't tell you what the top speed is, but it goes fast and its quick. We've been here since 1992 every year. I'll be going to the Loma Linda Veteran's Car Show in October."

KOLA-FM (99.9) radio personality and "Voice of the Rendezvous" Vic Slick was awarded with the 2012 Cruisin' Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award.

For more information about the Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous, visit www.route-66.org.

Related Story: 2012 Route 66 International Festival rolls off into the sunset

 

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

1964 Chevy II Nova

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

People checking out the Orange 1958 Chevy Biscayne, a black 1970 Chevy El Camino and a 1964 Lincoln Continental Convertible.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

Jonny Come Lately performing on the Stater Bros. Stage on Friday evening.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

1973 Chevy Nova, 1969 Chevelle SS and a 1966 Chevelle

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

Attendees checking out the classic cars.

 

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