Murrieta Rod Run Showcases Classic Cars Built Before '76 For A Cause

MURRIETA, CA — The charitable Murrieta Rod Run rumbled into town on Friday, bringing hundreds of classic cars built before 1976, vendors, music and more.

The festival of cars is hosted by the Drifters Car Club of Southern California, which was formed in the early 1990s by the late Pat Vesey.

Vesey's dream was to help underserved and at-risk youth, and that's exactly what the Rod run does today. For the past 10 years, all proceeds have gone to Murrieta's Oak Grove Center for their work with at-risk and special needs children. All members of the Drifters are unpaid volunteers for the car show.

The Rod Run typically generates more than $60,000 for Oak Grove, according to the event's website.

The Rod Run will host a Friday evening cruise from 4 to 8 p.m. with vendors, music and food available. Registered cars can enter for free, non-registered cars $20. On Saturday, the Show & Shine opens at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. Car registration for the Saturday has closed, but those who want to check out classic cars are welcome to cruise down Washington Avenue and enjoy the showing.

The Murrieta Rod Run is located at 24630 Washington Ave. in Murrieta.