The 20th Annual Cruisin’ for a Cure was held on Sept. 28, 2019 at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, California.
This year about 3,200 cars participated in Cruisin’ for a Cure. This show not only provides a fun day with a chance to see some of the most unique, most beautiful and most innovative cars on the planet, it saves lives at the same time.
The 1924 Buick shown below is owned and built by Ryan Rivers. This car was one of 14 contenders for the coveted title of America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) at the 2019 Grand National Roadster Show. What makes this car stand out from the 13 other contenders is that this is not a pro-built car. Admittedly, Ryan has had some experience building cars, but he accomplished this build by himself at home in his garage.
Now for the saves lives part of the opening paragraph. Cruisin’ for a Cure provides all men over 40 at the show the opportunity to have a physical prostate exam and/or PSA blood test which may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. Since the show started in 2000 more than 10,000 men have been tested with about 3,000 being advised to see their doctor for further testing. There is no doubt that many men were able to be at the show this year because of the testing they received at a previous show. All the proceeds from this show are contributed to the KSK Cancer Center in Irvine to help prostate cancer research. In 2018 Cruisin for a Cure donated $100,000 to the KSK Cancer Center. Shown below is the screening center at work.
While prostate cancer is the focus of this show, the women weren’t excluded. In the testing center, volunteers were on hand to ensure that women were aware that they should be having annual mammograms. To this end, a drawing was being held with the grand prize being a free mammogram. Volunteers were also available to answer questions.
Although the day was fairly cloudy and didn’t offer much sun, being California it was still warm, but not too warm. The cars on hand were a diverse bunch.
Rat Rods
Only a rat rod would have a B-17 Flying Fortress theme.
Hot Rods
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Classics
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Tri-Five Chevys
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Trucks/Haulers/Deliveries
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Nifty/Unique
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After the opening ceremonies, the official cruising started with a parade of fire trucks and other emergency vehicles from the California Fire Museum.
Around 11:00 a.m. Barry Meguiar of TV’s Car Crazy, hosted a panel discussion with several car personalities (from left to right below): Cory Ness, is a 2nd generation motorcycle designer and builder, and son of Arlen Ness; Bruce Meyer, who with Robert Petersen, founded the Petersen Automotive Museum. Meyer became its first chairman and is an avid car collector; Jerry Logan, Founder of Bushwacker is an innovative builder of off-road vehicles; Mike Brewer, is an English presenter of car-related TV programs including Wheeler Dealers on the Discovery Channel; John D’Agustino, the Grand Marshal of the show, has built some of the most beautiful customs in the world and now attends car events worldwide; Brian Burton of Burton’s Classics in Stanton, CA, was the featured builder for the show, and continues to create beautiful and innovative hot rods and classics; Carson Lev, directed engineering and design at Mattel Hot Wheels for 10 years, and is a prostate cancer survivor thanks to the screening he received at Cruisin’ for a Cure in 2002.
In the morning, Shades of the Past performed, a capella, in the Hanger. The group made great music and drew a crowd. One of the group’s youngest fans was Henry – looks like Henry would like to join the group.
Next year Cruisin’ for a Cure will be held on Sat. Sept. 26 at the Orange County Fairgrounds. This is one show you don’t want to miss.
The photos above can be seen our SmugMug site and are available for purchase. Click on the SmugMug icon:
