2009 Orange County, “Great Labor Day Cruise”

Story by Devin Squire
(Devin’s all Ford Garage)

Intro: Devin’s back again with coverage of the “Great Labor Day Cruise”. Check out his findings from 2008’s Labor Day Car Show as well. Thank’s Devin!

Labor Day Car show - Orange County -custom wagonWell, we made it to the 2009 OCCA Labor Day cruise again.  As usual, we had a great time, though we were a little disappointed in the weather. It was hot! Not like Arizona hundred and some-teen degrees hot, but high 80’s to low 90’s, with the humidity, it was HOT. We’re used to going over there to cool off in nice 70’s weather. Not this time. But it wasn’t too bad, & we still enjoyed ourselves.

We took our normal drive up & down Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from
Seal Beach to down past Laguna & back on Thursday. It’s always a blast to cruise the SURFORD on PCH & watch people check out your ride.  Some even take pictures while you’re stopped at a light. We saw a couple of cool rides doing the same thing. And, of course, we had to stop for some fish tacos along the way (mmmm..Wahoos fish tacos). Fish tacos always seem to taste better over there, for some reason. Anyway……. This was the 27th Great Labor Day Cruise! Wow!

Willys Gasser Labor Day Car show - Orange County

There was a “Kick Off Party” Friday evening, with live music from a cool Surf band called “The Eliminators”. Cocktails and an all you can eat buffet were available, too.  The ” Show & Shine” officially kicked off on Saturday & Sunday. They had a pretty good turn out for the show, but I never heard what the total was. We registered on Friday morning & our number was 1773, though I don’t believe there was that many cars. I’d bet there was over a thousand hot rods & custom cruisers.

This year “Barry’s Speed Shop” was one of the sponsors, and their crew was running an “Autocross” at the show. Anyone could test their skills and the capability of their rides to maneuver around the course.
That had some entertaining moments! A few spin-outs, etc. (I think there’s some short vids on Youtube)

Slammed Custom Sled Labor Day Car show - Orange County

There’s always lots to see at this show. Plenty of vendors, as well some of the coolest cars you’ll ever see. Everthing from mild to wild. Hot rods, rat rods, traditional rods, muscle cars, lowriders, Kustoms, & trucks.  There were fine examples in all of these catagories.  Check out all my pictures at the OCCA Great Labor Day Cruise Picture Gallery.  Hope to see you there next year!