A signature Pacific Beach event featuring hundreds of hot rod and classic cars, will be revving its engines Sunday, Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Themed “Charger Steve’s Wild Rides & Classic Car Showdown,” the annual car extravaganza is hosted by Steve Lordigyan and presented by Sycuan Casino.
The show, presented in a block party format, will close Garnet Avenue between Mission Boulevard and Dawes Street, as well as along Bayard Street between Garnet Avenue and the alley and on Cass Street between Garnet Avenue and the alley.
Lordigyan, also known as “Charger Steve,” is the mastermind behind the high-octane spectacle, which this year promises to be something extraordinary, in part due to first-time guest Skip Banks, a comic impersonator.
“I’m really excited because my friend Skip Banks, ‘the Balloon Man,’ is finally appearing at the event this year,” said Lordigyan. “He is a world-renowned comic that lives here in the San Diego area. He’s guaranteed to make you laugh.”
Banks said he’s privileged to be making his inaugural appearance at Charger Steve’s car show.
Describing his act, Banks noted “It’s a variety act I call ‘Hollywood on Wheels Comedy Show.’ I do a lot of spoofs with accompanying music and props. I do imitations of (famous) people rapidly, about 40 of them in a 20-minute period.”
At the end of his performance, Banks said he inflates a balloon and “literally put myself inside.”
Without revealing any secrets, Banks said one of his spoofs will involve Caitlyn (Bruce) Jenner.
“My act is like a box of chocolates,” said Banks. “You never know what you’re going to get. It’s a wild show.”
The inaugural Hot Rod and Classic Car Show was held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in 2009 before it moved to Pacific Beach in 2010. According to Lordigyan, the attendance has in-creased steadily each year with crowds reaching to 30,000 visitors.
As usual, one of the stars of Charger Steve’s show will be the nitro-burning Wild Thang dragster spectacle. The free event will also include a bikini contest by Hollywood Tans and an awesome display of motorcycles, as well as other entertainment featuring comedy, magic and dance.
There will also be lots of vendors. The winner of the car show will be announced at 3 p.m.
For more information, visit www.chargersteve.com.
