Sabin Gabra
Staff Writer
Downtown La Verne was filled with the sights and sounds of classic cars and classic rock music on Saturday on D Street. The event was a joint effort between local car clubs and music groups, benefiting the La Verne K9 Police Foundation.
Each car was a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of a bygone era, with owners eager to share their stories and knowledge with anyone who was interested. This was a feast for the senses, with the sound of guitars wailing filling the air and classic car owners proudly displaying their prized possessions. Vehicles ranged from the iconic ‘51 Chevrolet Deluxe Convertible to the Ford Mercury Sedan.
“Classic cars are more than just vehicles, they are a way of life for many of us,” Moe Benton, owner of a ‘61 Cadillac Coupe DeVille, said. “The dedication and passion that goes into restoring and maintaining them is something that cannot be replicated.”
Benton has owned his Cadillac for five years and says he gets compliments on his classic car everywhere he goes.
The event was also an opportunity for music lovers to enjoy the sounds of classic rock. The songs were an indication of the enduring appeal of classic rock music, which continued to captivate the audience of all ages.
As the crowd walked around enjoying the atmosphere, many people swayed and sang along to songs by Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones and other bands lost in the nostalgia of a time gone by.
“I have always loved classic cars and classic rock music, so this event was right up my alley,” Matthew Garcia, a resident of Pomona, said. “It is great to see the community come together like this and support each other.”
Local businesses also benefited from the event, with many increases in sales and foot traffic. It created a sense of excitement and energy to help showcase the unique character and charm of downtown La Verne.
Many residents posted their beach chairs on the sidewalk and soaked up the sun. Others took advantage of the time to either grab a quick bite at Mi Cocina Mexican Grill or bring their dogs for some enjoyment.
“It is amazing to see how much love and attention goes into restoring these cars,” Andrea Blakley, a resident of La Verne, said. “Each one has its own story, and it is a privilege to see them up close.”
As the day drew to a close, the event organizers expressed their gratitude to the community for their support and enthusiasm. They noted that the event would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of volunteers, local businesses and sponsors, who all came together to make the event a success.
Despite the passage of time, these two traditions continue to inspire and captivate people to provide a unique opportunity to celebrate. For those who attended, this was a chance to step back in time and relive the magic, if only for a few hours.
“This is a symbol of freedom and individualism,” Jessica Sanchez, a resident of La Verne, said. “It represents a time when people were afraid to express themselves and stand out from the crowd.”
Car owners revved their engines one last time as they prepared to head home. The music faded away, but the memories will last a lifetime. For one day, the streets of Old Town La Verne were filled with the spirit of an era long ago.
“There is something about the sound of an old engine roaring down the street that just makes your heart skip a beat,” Benton said.
Sabin Gabra can be reached at sabin.gabra@laverne.edu.
Sabin Gabra, a freshman communications major with a public relations concentration, is a staff writer for the Campus Times.
Kaylie Ennis is a senior photography major and a staff photographer for the Campus Times and La Verne Magazine. Originally from Washington state, she enjoys cars and nature photography.
