Organizers of a new weekly car show and cruise-in at Mesa Riverview plaza hope to mirror the success of the Friday Bike Nights that have drawn hundreds of motorcycles and spectators.
"The (Riverview) merchants tried to do a cruise-in on their own, but it wasn't real successful," said Nancy Perry, who promotes car events around the Valley through Nancy Perry Productions. "They brought in Bike Night, and that really helped them (get business). This will be the first big cruise-in for the plaza."
The car show kicks off Saturday with a bang: An early Indy racing car will be displayed, the Still Cruisin' Band will play classic rock and doo-wop and T-shirts will be given to the first 150 entrants in the event. Entry is free, and all entrants will receive dash plaques.
Perry said she got some input for her casual cruise-in from her friend Barry Caraway, who created Bike Night and is launching a new season Friday.
Matta's Grill & Cantina, Cactus Moon Sports Grill, Chili's Grill & Bar, the Cinemark Mesa 16 theaters and other sponsors have contributed to "goody bags" for those showing their vehicles.
Nearby restaurants will offer food and drink specials during the show, and those who patronize businesses in the plaza will get tickets for a raffle with such prizes as gift cards and hotel stays. Live music will continue weekly with a rotating lineup of bands.
"My kids and I love cars," said Peter Matta, owner of the restaurant bearing his family name. "That's all there is to it. These kinds of events are fun. They bring everyone out. Families love cars."
Perry said all makes, models and years of cars and trucks are welcome at the show, but classics from the 1920s through the '70s are expected to make up the lion's share of entrants. Awards for the top 10 cars will be given each week. Judging will rotate among merchants, community groups and spectators.
Perry said she hopes to raise funds for a different charity each week.
Two retired New York firefighters will drive a firetruck to the kickoff show and sell T-shirts to benefit victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
A Phoenix veterans home and area food bank are in line to benefit from two of the shows in November.
"I'm open to ideas for charities," Perry said. "There are so many good causes that need help."
Because of the struggling economy, she said, organizers decided to make the event free for those entering vehicles and for spectators.
"This is the type of thing that helps people get along during these horrible times," she said.
