Crystal Cove - No More ...
 

I got this at work today and wanted to share with you guys.

Weekly Car Gathering Outgrows Neighborhood Shopping Center

The search is on for potential new sites for an early morning Saturday car show that has outgrown a community shopping center parking lot at Crystal Cove Promenade.

The show began in 2003 with a few dozen enthusiasts showing off their antique and exotic automobiles early Saturday mornings. It has evolved into a weekly gathering that regularly attracts more than 200 specialty vehicles, 600 observers and commercial enterprises promoting their businesses.

“For more than three years, we’ve tried our best to accommodate this spontaneous and informal car show,” said Susan Jennrich, general manager of Crystal Cove Promenade. “It has grown in size and complexity into an enthusiastic weekly event that is no longer appropriate for a shopping center parking lot near a residential area.”


The show has no single leader or sponsor, but in discussions last week several participants were told the shopping center’s parking lot no longer will be available for the car show after October 14. Flyers to that effect will be distributed to participants at the next two events.

Jennrich said the car shows have reached a size and scope that they should be subject to a municipal special events permit that would require insurance and trash removal, among other things, and would regulate issues such as hours of operation and noise. Shopping center events held throughout the year are subject to permits issued by the city.


Several car enthusiasts who want to keep the show growing have been in discussions to find a more appropriate venue in Newport Beach that can handle its growing popularity.

“We hope they find a location equipped to handle the significant number of participants, spectators and businesses involved,” Jennrich said.

Too bad, but at least they are being nice about it.

Dave

Chris, no big loss as far as I'm concerned. The show has changed a lot over the last 6 months to the point I'm chicken to take my car. All good things must come to an end :)

Will Porsche rat rods be welcome? :D as in dinged up 944's?

I don't know if you are serious but I think you should do it!

I hate to say it, but Crystal Cove was lost when they began development of the surrounding businesses and homes . . .much like most of PCH.

So will there be a "coffee meeting" this Saturday morning or not?

This Saturday and next are the last ones at the plaza. I have been a couple of times and although I loved each time, it just got too overcrowded. I think what really did it in was the advertisment in the OC Register. Once everybody found out, more and more people just invaded the place and businesses decided to use the opportunity to sell. It was fun while it lasted.

"commercial enterprises promoting their businesses." - from the above. I don't know exactly whom but the last time I was there was a couple of months ago. It probably got progressively worse as far as crowds.

I would be all for the idea if you would like to sponsor however getting the OC cars to Redondo Beach probably wouldn't be very likely.

There was a guy pimping his door ding panels. Also, an exotic dealer was showing up with 10 cars a Saturday with fliers stuffed under the windshield wipers.

I used to take my mid year Corvette there and sometimes my 71 Skylark but haven't been to the place for two years. We meet at the corner of Crown Valley and PCH and have noticed some overflow from the Cove in the last few weeks. Maybe the cove crowd will take this place over now.