For the fourth consecutive year, the popular Cruise Nights will join the Happy Summer Days schedule of activities in Fontana on the first Friday of each month from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Sierra and Spring Streets. Judging from the first three years, they are expected to continue to grow in size and stature.

"We have tripled in size," said Mark Mayuga, Fontana special projects manager, who

coordinates the monthly event. "We have gone from roughly 110 cars a month to over 300 cars a month in one year. It's amazing how the community has embraced this event. It's got a great reputation that is spreading because it's fun and truly unique. The secret to our success is that we encourage families to come. It is a family-oriented event."

Mayuga commented that traditionally, the biggest Cruise Night of the year has been in August when about 375 cars and 4,000 people usually attend. Car clubs and automotive enthusiasts from as far away as Yucaipa, Temecula and El Monte regularly attend, along with people from Corona and communities surrounding Fontana.

Scheduled every month, except January, the Cruise Nights feature live music from Inland Empire bands and a deejay. In November and December, Santa Claus visits while the organizers hold a toy drive for Fontana kids.

Informational booths are also on site to educate families and residents about local services. The Fontana School District, Teachers Union, and City all partner to help benefit children through a youth reading program and face-painting for

kids. The City also has booths that help citizens to learn more about the library, green living and the positive ways to lead more healthy and active lifestyles. The Fontana Historical Society is available to help at the Veterans Rose Garden, or patrons may stop by the Mummers theatrical group display where anyone wearing a costume can have their photos taken with characters from seasonal plays.

"And there are the cars," Mayuga said, "including everything from hot rods to classics, low riders, dragsters, and street rods. The fun about the whole thing is the variety of what we have out there. And it's all free!"

According to Mayuga, "It's an opportunity for car nuts to get together and talk about

their automobiles. The truth of it is that everybody just wants to show off their automobiles and all the hard work it took to put them together and keep them looking and running well. It's amazing how the cars bring people together. It's really amazing to see the car cultures blending and mixing."

Plus, thanks to Fontana Nissan and the Ultimate Car Center, the open header and car hopping contests are a part of each Cruise Night. Motorcycles are also welcome.

To find out more, please contact the Community Services Department at (909) 428-8360 or visit us online at www.fontana.org.