Car Show by the Sea Returns to Point Fermin on Sunday

Car Show by the Sea is this Sunday, Aug. 24 (photo: carshowsbythesea.com)

With all the attention focused on the L.A. Waterfront for the Tall Ships Festival this weekend, there’s another beloved San Pedro tradition taking place this Sunday on the other side of town.

For the past 14 years, Point Fermin Park has been home to one of the South Bay’s longest running classic car shows, known affectionately as the Car Show by the Sea.

Car aficionados from all over Southern California (and even out of state) trot out their classic beauties for strangers to ogle and drool over while catching a view of the Pacific Ocean from one of Los Angeles’ most beautiful scenic locales.

Organizers describe the event as an appreciation of art, automotive technology, heritage and families coming together to share a common hobby for many charitable causes.

The classic car show fundraiser is organized each year by the non-profit charity organization Lions Club of San Pedro and the Legends Car Club. Eddie Keyse, committee chair of the event, started the Car Show by the Sea in 2000. It began as a derby-style car race, with the classic car show element added soon after.

The Legends Car Club joined to help in 2003 and Keyse has worked with committee chair Vince Lauro to grow the event over the years. “I thought it would be nice to be able to draw more people and have a car show,” says Keyse.

Some car collectors and enthusiasts drive or trail their classic cars from distances such as Arizona, Las Vegas and Northern California. They consider it a yearly family vacation. Many enjoy showcasing their 1940s or 1950s fixed up Chevys while having barbecue on the grass and enjoying the coastal ocean view and breeze that the park is renowned for. The event also includes live music by local bands.

“People park their cars and display them,” says Keyse. “They walk around and look at all these beautiful cars. That’s what it’s all about.”

The recession made it difficult to obtain the city permits required to close the streets in San Pedro for the annual derby race. As a result, the race has been canceled since 2010. Nonetheless, the Car Show by the Sea has grown every year in popularity, with hundreds of people and classic cars attending and both organizations using the event to raise funds to pay for next year’s permits.

The organizers’ ultimate goal is to give back to various scholarships, organize free eye exams, a medical mobile screening unit and other charitable causes in the San Pedro community.

The Car Show by the Sea is Sunday, August 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Point Fermin Park. For more information, visit www.sanpedrolegends.com.