To those who loved them or even owned one in the 60's or 70's, muscle cars were more than a means to get from point A to point B.
Andre' Hagestedt

Muscle Cars Take Over Oregon Coast Town in June

By Andre' Hagestedt

Muscle Beach Cruz 2006 takes over the coastal resort town of Seaside on June 9 & 10, with classic cars all over the city and entertainment filling the streets and venues -including a performance by The Commander Cody Band at the Seaside Civic & Convention Center.

Muscle Beach Cruz is held on the second full weekend of June,and participant entry is limited to Detroit Muscle Cars built between 1960 and 1978, with V-8 engines for power and performance. GTO's, Roadrunners, Chevelles, 4-2-2s, Thunderbolts, Cameros, Barracudas, Cobras, Corvettes, Daytonas and Mustangs, to name a few, will all be parked downtown for viewing, drawing thousands of muscle car enthusiasts and beach tourists.

The muscle really becomes apparent when they fill the streets of downtown Seaside. The cars are spotless, beautiful and deserving of awe - and they get it. Vendors, artists, entertainment and a concert only add to the spectacle.

In the late afternoon, the cars are fired up for the "Broadway Cruz," where they slowly parade up the street, revving their engines with all the roar of a jet engine and creating a pervasive sense of wow throughout the crowds.

To those who loved them or even owned one in the 60's or 70's, muscle cars were more than a means to get from point A to point B. Quarter-mile acceleration was the focus of the muscle car's very existence. Muscle Beach Cruz stands in reverence of that group of high-performance cars.

Seaside is a magical setting for the event. It's one of Oregon's most perfect getaways with all its additional amenities: the beach, restaurants, shopping, arcades, nightlife and amusement rides - all within walking distance of your accommodations.

On Saturday, June 10, Commander Cody (classic rock fixture and cohort of Frank Zappa) performs at the Seaside Civic & Convention Center. 8 p.m. $17.50 & $22.50 advance; $20 & $25 day of show. Tickets for the show are available at Flashback Malt Shoppe, 318 Broadway; and Seaside Scent Factory, 409 Broadway. Tickets by phone at (503) 738-7051 & (503) 738-6614.

EVENT SCHEDULE Friday, June 9

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Flashback Malt Shoppe Poker Run (registered participants only)

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Vendor alley setup and sales on Edgewood St.

12 p.m. - 7 p.m. Participant registration at Seaside Carousel Mall

7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Welcome Party at Seaside Carousel Mall (registered participants only)

Saturday, June 10

7 a.m. - Noon Participant registration at Seaside Carousel Mall

7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Show 'n' Shine on Broadway for gawking and admiration

9 a.m. - TBA Vendor Alley sales on Edgewood St.

5 p.m. - 6 p.m. The Muscle Beach Cruz on Broadway with commentary and thousands of horsepower

6:30 p.m. Drive-by awards presentation on Broadway, outside Carousel Mall

8 p.m. Commander Cody Band show at Seaside Convention Center