By Kyle Khatchadourian
Staff Writer
As if Ruby’s Diner wasn’t nostalgic enough of the good old day, once a week the parking lot is packed with a variety of classic cars.
Every Friday afternoon from Spring to Fall, Ruby’s Diner hosts “Cruise Nights,” a car show where people of all ages come together to share their love for old cars and past generations. The car and cycle show begins at 4 p.m., and is located in the parking lot in front of Ruby’s Diner in Redondo Beach.
Everything from muscle cars and street rods to the ultra classy Chevrolet Bel-Air are on display each week. There are no assigned parking spaces, but the “regulars” are known for arriving early to stake out their spot.
“Going to Ruby’s “Cruise Nights” always gives me something to look forward to at the end of the week,” Bruce Jones, a “regular” attendee, said. “I like to make sure I occupy the same spot each week, so I usually arrive around 3:30 p.m.”
The hype of “Cruise Nights” isn’t solely generated by the assortment of classic cars, but rather by the extra activities presented by the coordinators. To capture the guests’ attention, Ruby’s Diner, near the end of each show, plays a song that signals the crowd to migrate toward the announcer’s booth. At this time, the coordinators awards trophies and plaques to the top five cars of the night, as well as the “best in show.”
“I’ve never been lucky enough to win a trophy or the raffle, but I continue to buy tickets and bring my car down each week.” senior Keely Murphy said.
Throughout the night, raffle tickets are sold at the announcer’s booth, and the prize money is divided between two winners at the end of the night. Sponsors of “Cruise Nights” also award a table of different automotive-related prizes each week to raffle winners. In between winning tickets, the coordinators ask trivia questions relating to antique cars for smaller prizes.
“The prizes are all auto-related,” junior Wesley Sumen said. “Car-owners have the opportunity to get great prizes that are worth much more than the price of the raffle tickets.”
New visitors should not be fooled by the size of the show, which is only about half of a football field. With such an avid group of collectors, only a portion of the cars and other vehicles can fill the space.
The classic cars aren’t always the main focus of the “Cruis Nights” show; motor-bikers also hold a section and show off their custom motorcycles.
“Motorcycles are my main interest, so it’s great to see the diversity in show,” junior Austin Houska said.
“Cruise Nights” are also helpful to those looking to purchase and sell vehicles. On any given Friday night, there are several vehicles up for sale.
“I trade and sell cars all the time,” attendee Connor Morey said. “I enjoy bringing a different car down every so often and seeing what kind of interest and offers I can get.”
“Cruise Nights” at Ruby’s attract crowds of people of various ages, all of whom seem to share an appreciation for old cars. The show has been around for several years and has cemented its place in the hearts of many as well as in South Bay culture.
“It’s nice to see that the younger generation is coming into the car scene with hotrods and classics just like just like we did when we were their age,” attendee Howard Olson said.
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