Hot Classic Cars Cruising Kool April Nites
Story by Stacy Fisher
Photos courtesy Kool April Nites
It’s almost time to rev your engines and drive, walk, or run to view a plethora of classic beauties cruising the 
neighborhoods of Redding during Kool April Nites. The car extravaganza runs from April 16 – 24.
From the Kick-Off Show and Shines to the final day’s Show Awards, the entire Kool April Nites week is filled with fun and exploration.
The weeklong happenings begin with a number of local businesses including the Kia dealership hosting Show and Shines featuring various vintage vehicles put on display leading up to the exciting street cruise scheduled for Friday, April 22 starting at 6:30 p.m.
The course begins on Hilltop Drive, proceeding along Dana Drive and onto Churn Creek Road, and finally finishing at E. Cypress Avenue.
The Friday Nite Cruise is free to all spectators.
Spectators can park their own vehicles on side streets near hotels and other businesses close to the cruise site.
From there it’s just a short walk to set up lawn chairs or stand curbside to view the line of vehicles slowly parading along the route. Be up close to the roar of powerful engines while gawking at custom hot rods.
Get your spot early because the sidewalks will be packed for this incredible miles long parade of restored classics!
The cruise reenacts the great American tradition of a bygone era — cruising the boulevards that’s reminiscent of the film, “American Graffiti.”
On Saturday, April 23, attendees can inspect at their leisure hundreds of jaw-dropping classic beauties inside the Redding Civic Auditorium, starting at 7 a.m. until 4 p.m., where nearly 1,900 vintage vehicles will be exhibited. Guaranteed to impress.
Automobiles from 1979 and older will be displayed with owners happy to answer questions about their exceptional automobiles.
Admission for pre-sale tickets is just $8, with tickets available at that price until Saturday’s big car show, when tickets go for $10 at the gate for the general public. Entry is free to those 70 and older or 12 and under!
Tickets can be purchased from Raley’s Market at 201 Lake Blvd., or participating Napa Auto Parts stores, and at Record Searchlight, 1101Twin View Blvd.
Also featured at the event will be top-quality entertainment with lots of classic Rock ‘n’ Roll tunes. Vendors will also be on hand to fill hungry bellies with a wide variety of food and beverages.
Trophies in various categories are awarded at a ceremony on Sunday, to be held inside the civic auditorium starting at 1 pm.
Asphalt Cowboys is a local community group that’s partnered up with Kool April Nites and is hosting a pancake breakfast on both Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m. to raise money for kids programs.
The breakfast is located inside the Mega Tent outside the auditorium. Price is $5, which includes pancakes, sausage, coffee, juice or milk.
An all-volunteer board of directors and volunteers organize Kool April Nites, with all proceeds going back to the community to support the area’s youth.
President of Kool April Nites, Doug Carney, said that last year the event raised $40,000 for youth programs.
“We have been voted best community event of the North State eight years in a row,” Carney said, “based on a vote by the people that’s held by our local paper, the Redding Record Searchlight.”
Kool April Nites promises to be more fun than two teens in a rumble seat at the drive-in.
“It’s a family-friendly event with entertainment for all ages,” Carney said.
For more information, visit the website at: www.koolaprilnites.com (the cruise route is indicated on the website), or call +1.530.226.0844.
