Father’s Day will be epic again this year at Belmont Park as the Mission Beach amusement park is revving up for its 11th annual Father’s Day Car Show on Sunday, June 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3146 Mission Blvd.
Upwards of 150 vehicles from classic cars to custom-made racing vehicles and muscle machines to vintage gems will be on hand at the free show.
“There are some great car shows in San Diego, but when you have a great car show at one of the greatest locations in all of Southern California, it makes it that much more special,” said event promoter Steve Lordigyan. “Truly the greatest place to spend Father’s Day. There is no comparison.”
Lordigyan added it is tough to beat the dad’s day lineup at Belmont, which also includes rides games, bars, and the beach besides cool cars.
Guests can groove to tunes provided by a live band, sip beer straight from the taps of a vintage Chevy Suburban, and indulge in delectable food and drink specials across the whole park. For boardwalk brews and views, treat dad to a Father’s Day lunch at Draft with classic American favorites and 70-plus beers on tap.
The fun extends into the park with over 20 rides and attractions. Ride the historic Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster with the family, or challenge dad at Tiki Town Mini Golf.
The event is free, but if you want to register your vehicle, tickets are available for $35 plus fees and can be obtained at https://a.purplepass.com/events/284208-father.
Belmont Park promotional event manager Landon Getz discussed how the car show started. “Someone here (Belmont) had a great idea for a local car show, which no one else was doing, and pitched it to car show activator Charger Steve,” said Getz noting the promoter liked it so much he created the event, now held annually in the park’s north parking lot. “The event hasn’t changed too much over the years, though we’ve added some fun activations like live music,” she said adding, “This year we’re having a barbecue and some other food options, as well as Dip and Dots for kids.”
Belmont Park deals for dads will include a beer flight for $10 at Draft Belmont Park and a double-slice pizza and beer combo at Pizza Port Belmont Park.
“It’s an entertaining event and my favorite of the year,” noted Getz adding, “It’s just easygoing with people showing up to have a good time. So, we don’t disappoint.”
CHARGER STEVE
Although he is often linked to the Los Angeles Chargers football team, car show promoter “Charger” Steve Lordigyan’s nickname refers to a 1969 Dodge Charger he owned. After organizing car shows for several years, Lordigyan volunteered and then was hired by El Cajon to organize the Cajon Classic Cruise Car Shows in East County on Wednesdays April through October. Lordigyan also collects famous cars. The Dodge Charger he had painted years ago was a replica he built of the General Lee driven in “The Dukes of Hazzard” TV show. When he heard a real General Lee was for sale, he sold the one he had built and bought the real thing.
