Last summer, we took the scenic route to Santa Barbara, California, where Nite Life Car Club hosted its 16th annual car show. The car show and arena hop were held at Santa Barbara's Earl Warren Showgrounds off U.S. Highway 101-the highway that runs north/south through California, Oregon, and Washington. Highway 101 is also known as El Camino Real or "the Royal Road" where its route along the southern and central California coast approximates the Old Trail that links the Spanish missions, pueblos, and presidios.
Cars came from all over California-the San Fernando Valley, Oxnard, San Diego, Los Angeles, and the surrounding area. This Royal Road served as the route taken by most of the participants who came for this show-and-shine classic event. The car clubs that made their way out for this mini-vacation/tour of paradise were Majestics, New Crowd, Lifestyle, Los Angeles, Premiere, Rollin' Rich, Viejitos, Cruisers, Brown Sensation, Nightmare, City Life, In 4 Life, Infamous, High Rollers, Cruceros, Nokturnal, Riding Low, Don Riders, Old Town Nipomo, New Vision, Touch of Style, Low Lows, Good Times, Uce, Together, Stylistics, Impressions, Connected, Mayhem, Reality, Progressives, Another Bad Creation, Antique Style, Latin Bombas, Pueblos Unidos, New Exposure, Elegants, Excellence, Pachucos, Limited, and Techniques to support the event.
The one-day show brought in a huge crowd that packed the venue with over 10,000 spectators. People came out to a full day of entertainment, including the hop, which was held in the fairground's arena and had hoppers from all over strutting their best moves.
This family festival atmosphere had families out in full force enjoying the summer weather. The indoor/outdoor event had over 400 cars, competing in over 30 classes for bragging rights. The cars were parked throughout the fairgrounds and the candy paint and show chrome were sparkling on the cars that were on display. The indoor halls had cars fully displayed because some of the rides showed everything from the undercarriage to the immaculate paintjobs.
Santa Barbara happens to be one of the very few shows where the weather and environment permits you to display your vehicle better outside rather than inside, but we guess you'd have to be there to understand. The ocean breeze and long summer nights bring out the best in lowrider car shows.
Mark your calendars because next year's show has already been scheduled for the first weekend in June. We hope to see you there when this central coast city hosts another good day for a car show event.