LAKE COUNTY — Classic cars, nostalgic music and pin-up girls are swarming Lake County with the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce”s “Clearlake Cruise-In” event this weekend.
The event is being held in memory of Maynard Albertson, founder and late owner of Konocti Motor Company in Lower Lake.
“This is such a wonderful tribute to Maynard,” Karen Albertson said. “He loved Lower Lake and the people. He had so many friends here.”
Maynard Albertson will be recognized at 1 p.m. Saturday at Austin Park. Albertson”s multi-award winning 1934 roadster, the Model J will be featured. The Model J graced the cover of Street Rodder Magazine in July 2007 after winning several awards including the Roush “Ford in a Ford” award in Pleasanton and Outstanding Paint in the Seattle Roadster Show. This will be the last show for the Model J before it is donated to the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles where it will be on permanent display. Albertson”s 1937 Ford coupe, The Red Snapper will also be on display at Austin Park.
Vintage vehicles began rolling into the county on Friday for the three-day event based out of Austin Park in Clearlake.
A variety of entertainment, including live music, vendor row, contests and activities, will continue throughout Saturday with a classic cruise down Lakeshore Drive wrapping up the day. (Lakeshore Drive from Olympic Drive to Redbud Park will be closed from 7 to 9 p.m.) Vehicle judging will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Austin Park. Awards will be presented at 4 p.m.
“We are going to have cars from every era from rat rods to hot rods, low riders to classics; there should be something for everyone to enjoy,” Michael Horner, event chairperson said. “This event is free to the public so area residents should find plenty to do in Lake County this Mothers” Day weekend.”
Horner said that people from as far as Oregon and the Central Valley have registered for the event as well as many local car enthusiasts. “We are looking forward to a spectacular event with an impressive variety of vehicles,” he said.
Clear Lake Chamber Executive Director Lori Peters said this has been a joint venture with many area sponsors contributing to its production. “We wanted to provide an event that was rain or shine; a family friendly, classy event that was a special invitation for anyone to come and visit Lake County,” she said. “This event captures all those aspects because it geared toward men and focused on women.”
Peters said a special twist has been added the poker run scheduled for Saturday. Women registrants will be collecting unique charms for the exquisite charm bracelets they will receive. “The women will receive a blank charm bracelet and pick up a charm that focuses on each Lake County and the venue they visit,” she said. “This is a beautiful bracelet that she will be able to keep for years to remember the wonderful time she had in Lake County.”
A pin-up girl contest will take also take place at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Horner said the contest will be family-oriented. He said one of the most exciting features of the event will be the music.
“The big thing is the music,” Horner said. “We have the legendary Surfaris, who sang the original ?Wipe Out” and ?Surfer Joe.” We also have Bill Noteman and Rocket and the Lake County Diamonds playing.”
On Sunday, Cruise-In registrants will be treated to a special Mothers” Day brunch courtesy of the Tallman Hotel and Robinson Rancheria. The event will conclude with a Mothers” Day giveaway at 3 p.m. on Sunday at Robinson Rancheria.
For a complete schedule of activities see page A2 or visit the Web site at www.clearlakecruisein.com and click on the “agenda” button in the events calendar.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
