By Ted AYALA

That popping and roaring residents and visitors to Montrose will hear this weekend won’t just be from the usual fireworks display. Classic cars and hot rods – more than 200 of them – will come driving through Honolulu Avenue this Sunday for the Montrose Shopping Park Association’s (MSPA) annual Independence Day Hot Rod and Classic Car Show.

Now going into its 10th year, the show has become a popular tradition in Montrose.

“We used to have separate events: one for the hot rods and the other for the classic cars,” explained Dale Dawson, the MSPA’s executive director. “Then a few years ago we thought it would be an even better idea to bring them together for a full-on block party. I think people really liked that.”

Local residents and visitors from across the region have converged onto Honolulu Avenue year after year, with crowds growing every succeeding year.

“You had over 20,000 people come through here last year for the event,” said Dawson. “People really get buzzed for this. I have received more calls for this event than all our other ones. Car culture is a big thing here in Southern California and car enthusiasts are a passionate bunch.”     He added, “I even get calls just asking me for the event posters.”

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday visitors can enjoy viewing various classic cars and hot rods displayed along the 2300 and 2400 blocks of Honolulu Avenue. On the other side of Honolulu, east of Ocean View, the MSPA’s weekly Harvest Market will also be open along with a couple of musical guests for the occasion.

On tap are the popular sounds of Grimaldi’s New Orleans Jazz Band and Surfing With Elvis. Grimaldi’s will be playing over in the Harvest Market; Surfing With Elvis will be in the car show area.

The MSPA also plans to feature a well-known summertime treat. “We’re also going to have our 2nd Annual Celebration of Watermelons,” said the MSPA’s executive director. “People can enjoy all sorts of watermelon fun, be it carving, or recipes.”

In addition to the Harvest Market, a petting zoo for the kids will also be on hand.

“This is looking to be our best 4th of July event yet,” Dawson added.

For more information on the Independence Day Hot Rod and Classic Car Show, visit the MSPA’s website at www.shopmontrose.com or call (818) 541-0699. There is no cost to attend.

  Between Friends, CLASSIC CARS, HOT RODS, JUNE 30