The third annual Cruisin’ to College event, created by Fullerton College’s Special Projects Assistant Rolando Sanabria, was held in Lot 5 on Saturday. It has become an annual community tradition that showcases automotive history and culture.
“My mother-in-law owns a place called Zoot suits, they talk about going to shows almost on a weekly basis,” said Sanabria. “So I was sitting there one day and said, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice if we had a car show at Fullerton College?’”
The event offered a bit of everything you would want to see at a car show, from restored lowriders and classic muscle cars to custom trucks.
Some of the music and entertainment there included The Fullerton College Theater Program’s performance of multiple songs and a stage combat technique demonstration used in their recent production of “Dracula.”
The California State University, Fullerton Ballet Folklorico, a college group and dance troupe, presented traditional dances. Local breakdance groups, including the “Saint City Rockers” and “Style Attiks,” collaborated for a few sets.
The car show also connected the greater community with educational opportunities that Fullerton College has to offer, like the Fullerton College Career Center and Fullerton College Athletics.
Hundreds of people moved from car to car, learning the unique stories behind each build and what made it special. Every car had a different journey to its spot at the show.
The show attracted many veteran car enthusiasts, including Gabe Garcia, who is a weekly car show attendee. He learned about “Cruisin’ to College” after he received a flyer at a different car show and decided to enter.
Garcia showcased two cars, a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air and a 1959 Chevrolet Impala. Both cars featured bright red paint jobs and were decorated with all sorts of Halloween-themed items like carved pumpkins with wigs on and dolls from the horror movie “The Bride of Chucky.”
While a lot of veterans like Garcia entered the car show, some people showcased their cars for the first time. Among those newcomers was Fullerton College student Samuel Giron, who showcased his red classic 1973 Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle that he personally rebuilt in his garage.
Giron’s project showed his passion for cars, and he was able to show his work to many others who understand his love for cars. He displayed photos from the many places he has driven his car, such as New Mexico and Arizona.
“I go to Fullerton College, and this is my daily driver,” said Giron. “You’ll probably see me in the parking lot sometime.”
That simple idea has since created a tradition that he hopes to continue as long as he is there. The event has successfully linked the love of cars, cultural celebration, and genuine community engagement, driving students and locals toward educational opportunities.
“This is a car show, it’s a cultural event. It is a community event,” said Sanabria. “It’s a celebration of the community.”
