ESCONDIDO: Revamped Cruisin' Grand getting mixed reviews
Some hail changes, others express concern
By DAVID GARRICK - Staff Writer | ∞
This Willys car heads out on a cruise with some of the two dozen other Willys that were on hand for the first day of the "Cruisin' Grand" series in Escondido earlier this year. (File photo by Don Boomer - staff photographer) ESCONDIDO ---- Two months into the season, the city's revamped Cruisin' Grand classic car shows are getting mixed reviews from downtown merchants and area car buffs.
In interviews this week, several merchants agreed that attendance and the number of classic car owners participating in the weekly shows have both decreased somewhat compared with previous years. But some of the merchants also said that their revenues have actually held steady or improved a bit this year.
"It could be that we have fewer people, but they're buying more things," said Olga Diaz, owner of Blue Mug Coffee & Tea. "I think the changes have been well-received in general."
Cruisin' Grand is held each Friday night from early April through late September.
Changes this year include a special area just west of Escondido Boulevard reserved for post-1974 cars, which had been prohibited since the shows were founded in 2000. Other adjustments were moving the weekly awards ceremony up one hour to 7 p.m. and expanding the shows to North Maple Street.
The changes were made in response to complaints last fall that Cruisin' Grand had become stale, and the success of the shows is considered more critical than usual this year with a record number of business vacancies on Grand Avenue.
But some critics said the changes, especially allowing newer cars, have significantly altered the character of the shows, repelling some longtime participants and drawing a younger crowd.
"The changes are a disaster, and a lot of car owners want to walk away and start a new show somewhere else," said Ron Schirmer, a former participant who owns 20 classic cars. "I wouldn't go down there again if you paid me."
But Debra Rosen, chief executive of the Downtown Business Association, said she has received mostly positive feedback about the changes. She also said attendance at the four shows in April was stronger than ever before at Cruisin' Grand, but conceded that attendance data are based only on estimates.
Rosen said the changes have started to achieve their goal of injecting new life into the shows.
Sponsors and local officials, including Councilman Dick Daniels, have also been invited to pick the winning vehicles this year.
"I think it's a great idea to engage more people in the process," said Daniels.
But financial concerns have prompted the association to cancel a new feature that had been slated to start in June: monthly "concerts on the green." Instead of paying $2,000 each for the concerts, the association will begin giving $200 per week to musicians who began playing about a year ago at Juniper and Grand.
"It has been a positive force in the event and we want to keep it," Rosen said this week.
Adding a special area for newer cars has also brought additional clubs into the shows, which means new customers for downtown businesses, Rosen said.
"The majority of these groups had not been to our downtown before, and we find they are coming from all over the county," she said.
New customers have boosted Friday night revenues this year at Continental Deli, and they have crowded the outdoor tables at Vinz Wine Bar.
Both businesses are owned by Vinnie Griffin, who said Cruisin' Grand "has been a tremendous help" this year.
But Mark Missler, owner of 150 Grand restaurant, and Councilwoman Marie Waldron, owner of Top End Tees, said their revenues have fallen this year.
"Business is definitely a bit down, but it seems to be down about as much as you'd expect in a slow economy," said Missler. "I'm not sure the changes have had much impact either way."
But Waldron said the newer cars and other changes have damaged the character of the shows, which were co-founded by her husband.
"There is a different feeling now," said Waldron. "I don't see everyone smiling like they used to."
Waldron said there are some concerns that many longtime participants may abandon the shows, but she also said June is too early to tell how the changes will turn out.
"I don't think it's a good idea to be negative about things," said Waldron. "It's a different event now, but we need to wait and see how it plays out for the rest of the season."
Contact staff writer David Garrick at (760) 740-5468 or dgarrick@nctimes.com.
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Business Owner wrote on Jun 5, 2008 6:58 PM:If you read the story closely Ms Waldron is the only one to really say it has not been good for business. I am a business owner and have seen many new faces. Maybe less feet in my business but they spend more money and are really interested in being here. I have seen a lot of happy faces and hope it continues. Mr Missler is correct, the economy sucks and we all feel it. I am sure we can attribute the gas costs to less people coming to downtown but the people that do come are nice, spend money with us and really want to be here. Thank you to all visitors for spending money and supporting the business community here in downtown.
Jaque wrote on Jun 5, 2008 8:54 PM:Escondido needs more downtown pubs!
Nick wrote on Jun 5, 2008 10:58 PM:Wow, concerts at "Jupiter" and Grand! Is that near Saturn and Orange or further down by Venus and Fig?
Somebody is sleeping.
Handyman wrote on Jun 6, 2008 5:40 AM:Shorten the cruise by two months. One month on each end. The excitement factor is lost with a long run. Have the concerts and set up a proper stage. Promote the music as a family thing.
To Nick wrote on Jun 6, 2008 7:01 AM:Thanks for the morning laugh!
As long as wrote on Jun 6, 2008 7:09 AM:I can buy Popov vodka at the 7/11, I am a happy camper.
Ron wrote on Jun 6, 2008 7:12 AM:The pre-1973 vehicles was not enforced, last year or this year. Every Corvette owner thinks their newer car has the right to park where they want and the officials say there is nothing they can do. I have to get there by 3p.m. just to insure getting a decent spot.
Bobby wrote on Jun 6, 2008 7:19 AM:Get rid of the new cars... I stoped going with my family after they let all these darn kids that don't know how to drive and respect other people start showing off their Import Junk... About the only import that should be in there is an old VW, or Morris, maybe even an Healy... But no Nissans or Hondas.. Especially the newer ones...
Lets Face It wrote on Jun 6, 2008 7:43 AM:Cruisin' Grand was growing every year until the DBA had to tweak with it. If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it. You can try to make your own reality, but the truth is, there are alot less people and alot less classics and hotrods than ever before.
I love wrote on Jun 6, 2008 7:49 AM:I love bringing my motorcycle to Cruisin' Grand. The CEO Debra Rosen has welcomed motorcyclists and we feel it is important that all types of motor vehicles be represented. I agree with the DBA that we should not limit the show to only old cars.
B wrote on Jun 6, 2008 8:19 AM:Cruisin Grand is awesome, it's too bad some "older" collectors do not want to participate. Maybe in the future the association could designate certain nights when certain "newer" models collectors would be allowed to participate.
Jaque wrote on Jun 6, 2008 8:29 AM:I agreed with the notion before and now about shortening the event (Handyman). COE got it going a month earlier this year, and like too much of anything, it can get boring and stale real quick.
To Jaque wrote on Jun 6, 2008 9:22 AM:I agree. Maybe we should put Cruisin' Grand out of its misery and end it earlier. In with a sputter and out with a whimper.
John wrote on Jun 6, 2008 9:23 AM:"There is a different feeling now," said Waldron. "I don't see everyone smiling like they used to." It's $4 a gallon gas honey.
Too Bad wrote on Jun 6, 2008 9:24 AM:This event used to be driven by Public desire with added business being an offshoot. Now they are trying to drive it by business needs with the hope of public acceptance. We used to visit frequently but it is getting so we can cruise the car lots in the Auto Park and see as much. Go back to the old way and you will see the old numbers back regardless of gas prices and the economy. Otherwise keep down the road and you will surely end up at a dead end.
esco loco wrote on Jun 6, 2008 9:34 AM:Predictably, this is about businesses making money, so it's ok to dilute what used to be the spirit of the event...?? now it's all about packing as many potential customers onto grand ave., so naturally the people who are there for a vintage car gathering are going to be disappointed with the inclusion of newer cars... the article makes it clear what's important: customers, not cars. Enjoy!!
Small Business Owner wrote on Jun 6, 2008 9:50 AM:TO BUSINESS OWNER: Well said and thank you for sharing how I think most of us feel. We appreciate the new faces and their interest in downtown. With the struggling economy we are able to even out the slow weekdays with our cruisin' grand sales. This is still a nice community gathering but there are always going to be negative nellies stating otherwise.
I love cruisin grand wrote on Jun 6, 2008 9:52 AM:Its such a shame that it has been mainly taken over by the NON pre 1973 vehicles.
Fortunately enough, there is always Dalton's in San Marcos... They regulate what comes in. Cruisin Grand would be so much better off if they did the same.
Ponycar wrote on Jun 6, 2008 9:58 AM:I will not be bringing my classic 'stang down there anymore. As others have pointed out, the inclusion of newer/asian cars and the lack of respect the owners of those cars have for anyone is all too apparent.
It's funny... they DEMAND we respect them and their cars yet there is none in return. You have to give respect to get it and Esco is going to lose in the long run due to things like this.
I only attend wrote on Jun 6, 2008 10:10 AM:because I always go to the F Street Bookstore on Friday nights.
Wino wrote on Jun 6, 2008 10:27 AM:I love that new wine bar though!
Wino II wrote on Jun 6, 2008 10:49 AM:Ditto on Vinz. Luv it!
I have a glass a wine then shop that cute boutique (I think it's Bacio).
casepoint wrote on Jun 6, 2008 11:04 AM:Waldron doesn't "see everyone smiling like they used to" because her hubby isn't organizing it. Sour grapes.
PARENT wrote on Jun 6, 2008 11:37 AM:I think a younger crowd is great, which brings in more money. Parents do just about anything for their children and if it means giving them more money to hang out at a safe place than thats what will work.
Camaro wrote on Jun 6, 2008 12:40 PM:It's so funny how the business owners are only thinking of happy faces entering their shops and spending money. Well after the classics leave how much money do you think the kids and DINKs are going to spend in your shop... none. Most of your business is from family's there for the night... and families don't go to NOPI shows. I wont be back and I wont be spending my money in Escondido.
To Wino wrote on Jun 6, 2008 1:23 PM:Then you don't want to miss tonight, we have very rare Spanada and Thunderbird chilled. There is even word, that someone has some Boone's Farm to clean the palate with. We meet at 5:00pm in the alley behind the 7/11, so you there!
kumdunt wrote on Jun 6, 2008 1:30 PM:sour grapes..?? Oh, you mean the new wine bar...
Oside res wrote on Jun 6, 2008 2:09 PM:I would love to cruise Grand but everytime I start out the traffic is overwhelming. and whe I do arrive there is no where to park my vehicle, everything is filled up.
To Camaro wrote on Jun 6, 2008 3:20 PM:What does NOPI mean? Where is a place beside Esco in North County that is fun to go to?
Wine bar Feh... wrote on Jun 6, 2008 3:59 PM:Looks to me like the wine bar has taken up quite a bit of PUBLIC SIDEWALK with its railing and tables. Please feel free to walk through that area during Cruisin' Grand as it is still public property.
Fun in North County wrote on Jun 6, 2008 4:02 PM:I like to go to Dixon Lake and watch the ducks.
Boo hoo wrote on Jun 6, 2008 4:08 PM:Oh how sad that their special wittle event has "changed" since they let newer cars in. If you don't like it, don't go. It's not the end of the world that your super-neato old car doesn't get the attention it used to. Time to grow up.
Marci wrote on Jun 6, 2008 4:13 PM:We come from San Marcos to Cruisin' Grand because it is something fun to do as a family....we're outside, walking, etc. The only other place we really do that is Downtown Carlsbad. Thank you for all of the hard work to have these great Friday nights!
Cruzer wrote on Jun 6, 2008 8:43 PM:Just got home from Cruzin Grand. Saw lots of HAPPY People and lots of Cruzers. Don't know what Marie is talkin about, maybe she is the unhappy one. By the way, saw all newer cars at west end of Grand where there were no classics and all classics were filling Grand as usual.
Bored wrote on Jun 6, 2008 10:12 PM:The same old cars, with the same old guys, with the same old stories.
oldbiker wrote on Jun 9, 2008 8:08 AM:I drove down Grand last Friday night to check out the cars -- it's different now compared to earlier years. It used to be a "classic car" show... now it's a mixed bag with a little bit of everything. This is not change I can believe in... don't care for the new policy. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Nasty wrote on Jun 9, 2008 4:38 PM:I won't take my family to grand because of the old nasty people who want to smoke on the sidewalks. I know the city concil has blocked any kind of smoking bans for the city and it shows.
Jaque wrote on Jun 10, 2008 7:21 AM:Hey Nasty, any more liberties you'd like to see usurped from the average American?
Suzanne wrote on Jun 12, 2008 1:40 PM:Yoo hoo! We love the new wine bar. Way to go Vinny!
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