By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

It was grand along Brand on the night of Saturday, July 15 when the City of Glendale hosted the 24th Annual Cruise Night. The free event, held in the heart of downtown Glendale, was a car- and motorcycle- lover’s dream. An estimated 45,000 people checked out 350 cars and motorcycles on display representing distinctive designs in automotive history.

Favorite movie vehicles, including a VW like that in “The Lovebug,” K.I.T.T. from “Knight Rider” and the Mystery Machine from “Scooby Doo,” caught the eye of more than one passerby.

The Joker from the Batman series and 4-year-old Kain Rubio compared their moneybags in front of a Gotham City PD cruiser that the Joker had emblazoned with his name.

Cars and bikes weren’t the only things to see. One man brought his cockatoo, which delighted the Simonian family. Another man brought a small VW van that was just large enough to cart around his pup, which was decked out in cape and goggles.

At the north end was a stage with live performances by the tribute bands Creedence Relived, Coral Paradise and Gregory Wolfe as Rod Stewart.

“We were very pleased with how the event turned out. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves out there and, despite the heat, the people came out,” said Patty Betancourt of the City of Glendale who coordinated the mammoth event. “Merchants stayed opened late, and families took advantage of that and had dinner and fun on Brand Boulevard. Safety was a priority, and we worked closely with police and fire to ensure that everyone who attended was safe.”

The night ended with a fireworks display that drew praise from the crowd.

“Our fireworks show at the end of the event was a great way to wrap [it] up,” said Betancourt. “We are already looking to start planning our 25th Annual Cruise Night on Saturday, July 21, 2018 in the heart of Glendale on Brand.”

  robin goldsworthy