Back in the day, drivers would fill up their gas tank for $5 and cruise Phoenix Arizona’s Central Avenue. It was the home for Phoenix’s first outdoor mall – the Park Central Mall - and the road went from the far south boundary of Phoenix, passing through downtown and up to its northernmost reaches. But like many cruising spots, the local police cracked down and Central Avenue cruises withered away.
But twice a year Central Avenue relives its glory days by allowing cruising. Even the modern light rail that now glides down the middle of Central Avenue doesn’t faze the cruisers. A local grass roots effort makes this happen under the watchful eyes of the Phoenix Police Department.
Upwards of 2,000 cars converged for the cruise, which was most recently held on October 9th, 2010. Not only does the now vacant lot at Park Central Mall fill up with cars but enthusiasts seem to find any nearby vacant parking lots to settle into, just like the good old days! Car owners bring out everything from drag cars to motorcycles to modern muscle cars. A good time is had by all, although the police do make a few friendly traffic stops to keep things in hand. Lots of foot traffic settles in along the sidewalk of Park Central Mall to see the cars rush by and smell the whiff of the occasional tire burnout. It seems like the 60’s all over again.
The next cruise will be held in April, 2011.
See ya’ on the road