Once again, the Orange County Cruisin Association has rolled out its special brand of automotive entertainment to prove just what a hot rod show is all about. Now in its 20th year, the Great Labor Day Cruise continues to be the premier event in Southern California. Since Goodguys left the L.A. County Fairplex a few years ago, the OCCA provides the lone destination for pre-1973 special-interest vehicles in the greater Los Angeles area.
The casual atmosphere is what brings people back to the Orange County Fairgrounds, year after year. And with over 1,700 cars rumbling through the gates, many have been built with Labor Day in mind.
There was rocking live music during the afternoon and evenings for all to enjoy, as well as valve cover races, the model car contest, and fun for kids 12 and under in the Big Tent. But, most serious car folks head for the numerous vendor displays to shop for their pride and joy.
Being a small organization, the OCCA relies on sponsors to make this event happen. As in years past, American Racing was the major sponsor, with Mooneyes and D&P Classic Chevy lending associate sponsorship.
Pre-registered participants were all in the running for a full set of Budnik wheels, while the other big giveaways included a set of wheels from American Racing, Intro, and the Wheel Smith, respectively.
Hourly prize drawings were donated by a laundry list of companies, too numerous to mention. Hey, maybe we can meet you at the Great Labor Day Cruise next year? For information on the 2003 happening, call (909) 928-4550. Popular Hot Rodding has to thank Tim Moore, Operations Manager at NES Studio Equipment, for allowing us to ride on his sky crane for our elevated shots. Thanks, Tim!
Flames and blowers were the order of the day at the Great Labor Day Cruise. Naturally, the flames came in all colors and the blowers came in various sizes, too! | 
the Orange County Fairgrounds has a cool and casual atmosphere. Some of that could be due to the neat food and dining area located behind the main exhibit building. | 
Ed Brown brought his wedge-powered '69 Dart from the city of Yucaipa. He's a proud member of the Inland Mopar Club. |
We found lots of really nice El Caminos throughout the fairgrounds. This one had small-block power and enough rubber to blacken the pavement anywhere it goes. | 
How about a V-8 Corvair? Yep, this one had small-block Chevy power, some nice engineering, and two too many doors. | 
The exhibit building featured must-see displays at the main entrance, too. Some of those included Budnik Wheels and Mooneyes. |