Inaugural Murrieta Rod Run: ‘A Success’

It was a successful weekend for the first Murrieta Rod Run, with some 10,000 people attending the “Friday Night Cruise” and some 35,000 people attending Saturday’s events in Historic Downtown Murrieta, according to figures from the Murrieta Police Department.

Spectators and car show enthusiasts strolled up and down Washington Avenue from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Street corners were packed with vendors with everything from retail items, local business promotions, “baconized food,” and drink. A live band also played oldies on the porch of Anthony's Lounge & Ristorante, located at the corner of Washington Avenue and Kalmia Street.

“I am absolutely ecstatic that this event has been more successful than we have anticipated. This is the most Old Town Murrieta has ever seen! We are hoping for continued success,” said Murrieta City Councilman Randon Lane.

According to Pat Vesey, event organizer for the 2013 Murrieta Rod Run, all 350 parking spaces were sold out, yet more people were calling to register for the event.

“It far exceeded my expectations. We fine-tuned some things this year and we expect an even better turnout next year,” he said.

Although free to the public, those who entered their cars in the event paid a small registration fee. Those proceeds will go towards benefitting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Riverside County to revamp the Murrieta Clubhouse located at the California Oaks Sports Park.