NEWS

“Cruize Nights” return to Tulare Outlet Center

Luis Hernandez

lfhernan@visaliatimesdelta.com

“They can walk away with good feelings and good memories,”
“But it’s not what you are driving.”
“It’s an evening to spend time with people of like interests.”

The Small Town Cruizers auto club is coming back to the Tulare Outlet Center.

Starting the second Saturday of March, the club members will participate in “Cruize Nights,” an informal get together where vintage vehicles are shown off at the shopping center. The event includes music, raffles and a chance to mingle with those with an affinity for old, restored vehicles.

“It’s an evening to spend time with people of like interests,” said Bob Riggi, Small Town Cruizers immediate past president.

Riggi, who owns a yellow 1969 Chevrolet Camaro, said the “Cruize Nights” draws about 25 club members. The event is also open to other car club members. In total, about 50 cars are shown off at the event. The largest event drew about 75 vehicles.

Riggi said new vehicles, remakes of older models, are also welcomed at “Cruize Night.”

That’s just fine with Tulare Outlet Center General Manager Patty Rocha.

“We love having them,” she said. “They are fun to work with.”

Rocha said “Cruize Nights” also served as an added attraction at the shopping center.

“It brings out people to view the vehicles,” she said. “It gives them something to look at. Then, they can shop at the center, maybe have dinner or check out a movie. It brings awareness to the center.”

Riggi said car club members were seeking a new location to have the event and the shopping center was a good match.

Aleks Redko, current car club president, said the club started in Tulare. Over the years, vintage car owners from Visalia, Dinuba, Porterville, Three Rivers and Hanford have joined in. Membership is about 80 car owners.

Except for September, “Cruize Nights” will be become a monthly event at the outlets. The dates are:

• March 14.

• April 11.

• May 9.

• June 13.

• July 11.

• Aug. 8.

• Oct. 10.

There’s no meeting in September because Small Town Cruizers have their annual car show that month.

A labor of love

Riggi said he restored his Camaro because he owned one in high school. It was a new vehicle. The one he restored not so much.

Riggi bought the car, or pieces of it, from a high school friend. Riggi then began the restoration project. It took about a year and the Camaro has been car show quality for about five years.

Redko said he’ll also show a 1965 Oldsmobile. Previously, he showcased a 1947 International modified pick up.

Driving a vintage vehicle makes for affable moments.

While driving his Camaro, Riggi said he was approached by a driver in a new Dodge Challenger. The driver of the older vehicle suggested a trade. Riggi politely declined, saying the Challenger was also a nice car.

“But it’s not what you are driving,” Riggi said, recalling what he said.

Redko agreed.

“People give you the “Thumps Up” sigh, smiles or winks,” he said.

“It’s a good feeling,” Riggi said. “It’s something that makes you feel good when you drive it.”

For “Cruize Nights,” Redko said those who attend can walk away having seen dozens of vintage vehicles and talked with the owners.

“They can walk away with good feelings and good memories,” he said.

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