Pan-O-Prog Day 5: Cruise Night Attracts 35,000 Car Lovers to Lakeville

 cruise night.

What else needs to be said? The event alone attracts nearly 30,000 people who line the streets in and around downtown Lakeville to watch more than 500 classic cars strut their stuff.

Set to be held on Friday, July 6, cruise night, according to event president Sheri Stolp, is what Pan-O-Prog is all about.

"I'm personally a huge fan of this event as my father, who is now retired, restores old T-birds and Lincolns as a hobby, so I grew up appreciating classic cars," Stolp said. "The fact is that when you mention Pan-O-Prog to someone outside of Lakeville, the first comments out of their mouth seem to be to talk about 'Cruise Night.' It's what we are known for."

Cruise Night started as an event of the Southern Cruzers Car Club 24 years ago and was only recently absorbed into becoming an official Pan-O-Prog event, but organizers says the popularity has been consistent in growth throughout the event’s history.

This year's participants will begin to gather at  at 5:30 p.m. for registration and pre-cruise judging for six “Choice” awards. Winners will receive plaques for being selected as the favorite of the Mayor, , and other organizers and officials. And with more than 500 vehicles to look over, those folks may need the full three hours the vehicles will be on display at the high school to make their decisions.

At 6:30 p.m. the classic cars will take to the Lakeville streets in a parade of chrome and color so the thousands of people that line the streets can get a glimpse of the participants’ pride and joys.

"It's sentimental for me to watch the passion of those participating in the cruise as well as those appreciating various intricacies of the vehicles themselves," Stolp said. "We draw enormous crowds for this event, which also brings helpful business to our food and street market vendors. There's something for everyone."

The cruise route will wind from Lakeville South High School into downtown Lakeville and follow Holyoke Avenue to Highway 50, Cedar Avenue and beyond.

The festivities continue with a post-cruise party downtown where approximately 150 of the vehicles will be on display in conjunction with musical entertainment, food vendors and other attractions geared towards families.

Adults 21 and over can enjoy the popular rock sounds of G.B. Leighton under the tent at Babe’s.

What else is happening on Wednesday, July 6?

Cruise Night - 6:30 p.m. - Holyoke Ave.: One of Pan-o-Prog’s crown jewels shines when more than 500 unique and classic cars parade through Lakeville’s streets. 

Babe’s Cruise Night Dance - Minnesota’s own G.B. Leighton will perform his infectious blend of party music under the big tent after the cruise.

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