WATSONVILLE—The sound of engines roared across East Lake Village’s parking lot Sunday morning as classic cars and trucks arrived in droves.
The annual car show, put on by the East Lake Village Shopping Center along with Central Coast Muscle Cars and Classics, benefits a different non-profit organization every year. This year it was the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery (MOD).
Ray Montoya, President of Central Coast Muscle Cars and Classics, was on hand to help set up and lead car owners in to their assigned spaces.
“We’ve got a lot of amazing cars here already,” he said, “and it’s just the start of the day.”
Interim Executive Director of MOD Rhiannon Crain set up an informational booth on-site with other MOD staff and their kids. Crain praised Clark Codiga of Oaktree Property Management (who own East Lake Village) for their support in organizing the event.
“It’s been great working with [Codiga],” Crain said. “He knew we were a great cause.”
ABOVE: Car lovers flooded into East Lake Shopping Center Sunday. (Johanna Miller/Pajaronian)
The Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery, located in the Capitola Mall, offers children an interactive learning environment with exhibits, weekly programs and activities.
“We aim to help kids and parents,” Crain said. “It’s a safe, educational place, where parents can feel comfortable leaving their kids when they need a short break.”
Montoya said that Central Coast Muscle Cars and Classics was glad to be working with MOD this year.
“What they do is really important,” he said.
ABOVE: Chalk art welcomed guests to the Museum of Discovery’s booth Sunday at East Lake Village’s annual benefit car show. (Johanna Miller/Pajaronian)
About 70 cars were already entered into the show by 11:00 a.m. —with the show scheduled to last until 4 p.m. Cars of all makes and models, as well as two antique Watsonville fire trucks were on display. Live music was offered by The Jagged Relics and Translucent. A raffle and other family-friendly activities were also held.
In addition, event-goers were encouraged to visit East Lake Village business, including newly opened Fruition Brewing.
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To learn more about or donated to the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery visit https://www.sccmod.org.
