Hundreds of spectators strolled through downtown Novato for the 29th Annual Nostalgia Days Cruise and Car Show to see classic cars, hot rods, trucks, motorcycles and custom builds.
Rounding out another year, this free admission block party that has turned into a hometown tradition that welcomes car enthusiasts with dozens of unique vehicles and rockabilly classics to compliment the sound of roaring engines.
Mitch Polzak and the Royal Deuces took the stage in the early afternoon to kick off the party with country roots and a rock ‘n’ roll element, covering classics from the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash.
Over a dozen awards were presented in various categories, featuring cash prizes for Best in Show and the People’s Choice.
“I bring it out to car shows and drive around on the weekends when it’s nice out,” Danny Vasquez said as he stood next to his 1965 seafoam green Chevrolet El Camino. “I’ve had it for 22 years and this is my fifth car show with Nostalgia Days.”
This cult classic vehicle garnered a loyal following as a second-generation hybrid blend between a muscle car and a pickup truck, originally equipped with a 327 small-block V8 engine. The El Camino is a cultural icon and a symbol of U.S. automotive innovation.
The event is presented by the Downtown Novato Business Association with over a dozen sponsors and partners.
Stephanie Koehler, Downtown Novato Business Association’s executive director, said the event this year drew about 10,000 attendees and maxed out the 300 spots available for car entries. She said judges were more impressed this year than ever before.
“We have seven judges, and they all felt that the quality of cars this year was better than they have ever seen,” Koehler said. “We always have quality cars. But the volume of really impressive cars was notably different this year.”
Correction: An earlier version of this story misspelled the name of the Downtown Novato Business Association’s executive director. Her name is Stephanie Koehler, not Koehl. The story has been updated.