It’s a rock and roll weekend!

900 classic cars expected for Friday night cruise, Saturday show

Clear Lake’s steady stream of July activities gives way to an August spectacular this weekend.  The Clear Lake Auto Social Society (C.L.A.S.S.) will host its 33rd annual Summer Dance Cruise and Car Show Friday and Saturday, Aug. 3-4, bringing thousands of classic car enthusiasts to town.

This year, as many as 900 vehicles are expected to participate in a Friday night cruise around the lake.  On Saturday, owners will display their rides in a show surrounding City Park and extending throughout the downtown.

C.L.A.S.S. President Kirk Kraft says while the huge show is an economic boost for business and attraction for guests, it can be a bit inconvenient for residents.  This year club members worked closely with Clear Lake Police Chief Pete Roth and his department in an effort to make the event go smoothly and safely from start to finish.

The biggest adjustment this year will be to change the location where cars will begin the registration process for Saturday’s show.  Now, vehicle owners will check in at the circle drive at Clear Lake High School to receive their classification before proceeding down Main Avenue to 8th and Main.  From there, they will be directed to their parking area by C.L.A.S.S. volunteers and finish the registration process at the City Park Bandshell.  The change will eliminate the traffic backup at 8th and Main.

Kraft invites the public to have fun at the event, but to remember to keep safety in mind.

“Please, do not encourage burn-outs or throw candy during Friday’s cruise,” he said.  “This is a cruise, not a parade.  The streets are still open to all other normal traffic.  Burnouts and unsafe acceleration will not be tolerated and enhanced police patrols are present.  Tickets can and will be issued for unsafe or unlawful practices. We also do not want to encourage children to dart into the streets chasing after candy.”

Classic car owners will begin to gather at Kingland Systems, 1401 6th Ave. S., Clear Lake, about 3 p.m., on Friday for the Car Cruise. The cars will then travel around Clear Lake starting at 5:15 p.m.  The cruise will follow South Shore Drive to B-35, to the four-way stop in Ventura and back to Clear Lake on North Shore Drive, past the Surf Ballroom to 4th Avenue North and North Lakeview Drive, ending past City Park at 4th Avenue.

“We do encourage people to watch, cheer on and appreciate participants in the Cruise, but please don’t encourage unsafe behavior,” added Kraft.

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The Grand Marshal for the cruise this year is Glen McIntire, owner of Glen’s Tire in Clear Lake.

Friday night’s cruise will be followed by a dance at the Surf Ballroom featuring music from the 1950s and 60s played by The White Sidewalls from 7:45 p.m. to midnight.  Admission is $12 in advance and $17 at the door.  Two free tickets are provided to each classic car that comes to Kingland Systems for the cruise.

On Saturday, the car show will be held around Clear Lake City Park.  Registration is set for 8 to 11:30 a.m., with the Show and Shine planned for noon to 3 p.m.  Spectator admission to the car show is free. Music and activities will be held in the park throughout the day.   Saturday evening free musical entertainment will be provided by Endless Summer on the City Park Bandshell stage.  All are invited to attend the concert from 6:30-10 p.m.

Area bicyclists and dog owners are encouraged to leave their two-wheel rides and pets at home to avoid any chance of mishaps in the crowded and congested downtown during the car show.

“There is a great deal of time, effort and money spent to make these cars glisten and we all need to be aware of how easy it is for a purse, a belt buckle, or a bike to unintentionally scratch something,” added Kraft.

The large show is staged by about 40 members of the C.L.A.S.S. Car Club, along with friends, family and volunteers from the community.  Kraft said others interested in helping with the show, or learning more about the club, are encouraged to attend a 7 p.m. meeting at City Park tonight (Aug. 1).

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