By Howie Zechner
Close a major street, land a helicopter in front of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, add a handful of specialty city vehicles, line both sides of the street with Classic Cars, Hot Rods and Stockers and then make it a free event for the public to enjoy! Sure, right, next you’ll tell me they sold food, had live music, announcers, and Jay Leno was there to greet the crowd.
Yes it’s true, the 19th Annual Pasadena Police Department car show did not disappoint. Held on Green Street just one block south of the famous Route 66 it
featured an abundance of fine automobiles along with lots and lots of spectators
old and young. Taking in the sights on a gorgeous 75 degree fall day it was without a doubt a spectacular happening.
Organized by the Pasadena Police department this is a win, win event as the public
gets to interact with officers in a social setting. Car enthusiasts also benefit as they
get to meet the person inside the uniform. It’s a good mix that I’m sure pays dividends well outside this one day event.
Sponsors, an auction and raffle help raise money along with a $40. fee from each display vehicle. That is however a small price to pay to be a part of this extraordinary gathering. And let’s not lose sight of this being a benefit where proceeds from the event go to the Pasadena Police Activities League (P.A.L.) and the Pasadena Police Explorers Post #19.
With a police escort Jay Leno made a grand entrance. Driving an older Mercedes Benz Jay parked it under the Rusnak Automotive Group display on the Paseo upper level. Immediately mobbed by fans Jay took it all in stride as he answered question and posed for photos.
Being a car guy Jay Leno looked over every car that was there. On some he
sought the owner out and asked questions about thier vehicle. There was no
rushing Jay as he savored the ambience of metal and masses.
Our local Pasadena Volkswagen club, Stadt Der Rosen was there in force. Eighteencars strong they were the first to arrive on site at 6:30 am and last to leave at 3:30.
Lots of nice buses and bugs, club members won Classic, best Modern and Best of
Show awards when the judging was done. The club was further honored when Jay Leno posed for a group photo with the members.
So there it is. Am I leaving anything out. Of course. There are many facts I don’t
know and countless unnamed who deserve credit for this spectacular day.
There is however a name for these special people. We call them Pasadenans.
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