Classic cars ready to be-bop into Burbank

The fourth annual Be-Boppin' in the Park celebration is rolling into the Magnolia Park district Saturday, bringing hundreds of vintage and classic cars with it.

From 3 to 9 p.m., the free event is expected to bring 10,000 to 15,000 people to the four blocks on Magnolia Boulevard between Hollywood Way and California Street. Ford Model Ts, Studebakers, Indian Motorcycles, Shelbys and other custom, vintage and classic cars have been scheduled to pack the street for enthusiasts and community members to marvel at and meet the proud owners.

After exploring the specialty shops and eateries in Magnolia Park, visitors can dance in the streets to live music by the band City Beat and the Wonderelles. Both acts will feature classic tunes all the way from the 1950s to the present, beginning at 4 p.m.

An awards ceremony will follow the dance party, honoring the most all-American, coolest, hottest and the most "vintage" car, to be presented by the mayor, police chief, fire chief and Magnolia Park Partnership representatives, who organize the event.

"Tonight Show" host Jay Leno will bring by a few cars from his personal collection and present the Jay Leno Award for the funniest car.

"Jay owns a 1907 Steam Car to a McLaren F1 and everything in between," said Tina VanCuren, owner of Autobooks-Aerobooks in the Magnolia Park shopping district. "He loves to walk around to look at the cars and talk to the owners. It doesn't have to be the most expensive car; he just picks the one he finds the most interesting."

Autobooks-Aerobooks, which recently moved out of the four-block area where the show is located to its 1958 location farther down Magnolia Boulevard, was part of the initial organization team for the Be-Boppin' in the Park Event. The shop owners have coordinated with a number of stores and the Peterson Automotive Museum to bring rare vehicles on Saturday.

"We have a lot of experience with car shows," VanCuren said. "Burbank is very much a small town, and this is our small-town party."

The Magnolia Park Partnership has worked with sponsors Stoner Car Care and Burbank Federal Credit Union to present the community event.