Preview: Pan-O-Prog's Cruise Night to Attract 30,000 Car Lovers to Lakeville

Lakeville’s official parade is arguably one of the best parades in the state of Minnesota. But it can also be argued that it’s not even the best parade in Lakeville. Friday night’s Cruise Night doesn’t feature marching bands, clowns, unicycles or other traditional parade fare, but with more than 500 classic cars gleaming with chrome and colorful paint jobs, the annual event has grown to rival the official parade in both popularity and participation.

“It’s a great event and people have come to look forward to it more every year,” says Dave Litzinger who has helped organize the event for the past seven years.

Litzinger estimates approximately 30,000 line the streets along the cruise route to watch the procession of classic vehicles each year. “It’s well attended,” he said. “People get there spots early and make a night of it.”

Cruise Night started as an event of the Southern Cruzers Car Club 23 years ago and was only recently absorbed into becoming an official Pan-O-Prog event, but Litzinger says the popularity has been consistent in growth throughout the event’s history.

“We expect well over 500 vehicles this year,” said Litzinger. “They (car owners) come from all over to participate in this event and show off their work. They take a lot of pride in their vehicles.”

Litzinger has seen many unique vehicles throughout his years of involvement with the event.

“A few years ago there was a 700 horsepower Camaro,” he said. “That was one of my favorite. We get a lot of classic muscle cars and unique hot rods, and lots of people are bringing in their hydraulic vehicles now, mainly from St. Paul.”

Participants will gather at for registration and pre-cruise judging for six “Choice” awards. Winners will receive plaques for being selected as the favorite of the Mayor, , and other organizers and officials. And with more than 500 vehicles to look over, those folks may need the full three hours the vehicles will be on display at the high school to make their decisions.

Litzinger says part of the reason the event attracts such a broad participation is the way it is set up.

“We only charge ten dollars per vehicle to enter,” said Litzinger. “Other shows might charge per person, but with our event, you only pay for the vehicle and you can bring as many people as you like to show the car with you.”

A new perk for this year’s event is the chance to win one of two 42-inch televisions for anyone who registers a car. “We’ve never offered that before,” says Litzinger. “Everyone will have a chance to win one of those.”

At 6:30 p.m. the classic cars will take to the Lakeville streets in a parade of chrome and color so the thousands of people that line the streets can get a glimpse of the participants’ pride and joys.

The route will wind from Lakeville South High School into downtown Lakeville and follow Holyoke Avenue to Highway 50, Cedar Avenue and beyond.

The festivities continue with a post-cruise party downtown where approximately 150 of the vehicles will be on display in conjunction with musical entertainment, food vendors and other attractions geared towards families.

Adults 21 and over can enjoy the popular rock sounds of .

It’s also a pretty safe bet that some of the vehicles can be seen throughout the streets and parking lots of Lakeville pre- and post-cruise for those who don’t want to brave the crowds downtown. Just keep your ears tuned for the growl of classic engines and your eyes peeled for the shimmering glint of chrome. It shouldn’t be hard to find.

To see photos or catch up on this year's Pan-O-Prog festivities, .