Since 1998 vintage car owners and modern day auto buffs have flocked to Seaside every September to share enjoyment of quality vehicles and have fun at the Wheels and Waves car show presented by the Seaside Downtown Development Association. Quality vehicles from 1965 and older are the focus. This year’s event takes place Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 10-13 and is sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts.

From Friday through midday Sunday Seaside’s main street, Broadway, becomes a pedestrian mall allowing the public to walk freely and enjoy the “Show and Shine.” Cars are parked along Broadway from Holladay Drive to the famous Turnaround as well as along side streets and filling the downtown city parking lot. Several bands perform on Saturday, increasing the festive air. The “Downtown Street Cruise,” the event’s signature car parade, begins at 5 p.m. and allows owners to show off their cars in action.

Participants have the opportunity to compete in a “Rod Run” held Thursday and Friday. While “Show and Shine” is available on Friday, the big event takes place on Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., along Broadway and flowing over into the side streets and down-town city parking lot. Several bands perform on Broadway. The signature car parade, allowing owners to show off their cars in action, starts at 5. Sunday morning offers another viewing opportunity until 2 p.m. while car owners can attend the noon awards ceremony.

Those who bring cars to show have numerous other activities to keep them amused. They can compete for monetary prizes in the “Coastline Poker Run” held Thursday and Friday and the “Downtown Poker Walk” Friday and Saturday. They are treated to a barbecue compliments of Thousand Trails Campground as well as a beach party-themed dinner as part of the event.

Car owners traditionally show their regard for Seaside by joining in the “Senior Cruise,” sponsored by Avamere at Suzanne Elise, as they bring the show to residents of all three assisted living facilities in Seaside. By tradition they enthusiastically participate in a sponsored by Seaside merchant Greg Boat of Del Sol, for the South County Food Bank.

More than 300 vehicles are expected, according to Laurie Mespelt, SDDA’s special events coordinator, with entries from as far away as California and Florida.

For more information, contact SDDA at 503-717-1914.