It's that time of year when some of the sexiest -- and weirdest -- cars on the planet cruise into town to show off their shapely chrome and steel frames.
Cool Desert Nights, now celebrating its 18th anniversary, starts June 23 and continues through June 25, with most events centering around the Uptown Shopping Center in Richland.
One of the goofiest looking cars that will be at this year's event is a 1986 Pulse that belongs to Chuck Nelson of Walla Walla. The odd-looking yellow futuristic car looks like it needs a runway more than a road to get around.
About 360 Pulse vehicles were produced from 1984-90, and they are about 16 feet long and 6 feet wide with a fiberglass body and powered by a motorcycle engine.
The Pulse will be part of the All City Car Cruise, which will kick things off June 23, leaving at 7 p.m. from the TRAC facility in Pasco and ending at 9 p.m. at the Dairy Queen on Jadwin Avenue in Richland.
The cars will park and hang out along Jadwin Avenue for the next hour, so car lovers can take an up-close peek at vintage and new cars.
Car owners request that visitors keep their drooling at a safe distance from the clean and polished vehicles.
More than 700 cars were featured in last year's event, said Lori Mattson, president of the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce
"And we are looking forward to an even better turnout this year," Mattson said. "It's great to see all of the community come together and support this timeless event."
Other festivities happening throughout the three-day event include the Desert Wind Winery Show 'n' Shine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 24 at the winery, 2258 Wine County Road in Prosser. The registered cars will then cruise from 7 to 9 p.m. through Richland city streets.
The street dance, with music provided by Colorblind and Plastic Soul, starts at 8 p.m. June 24 at Jack-sons Sports Bar at the corner of George Washington Way and Lee Boulevard. It's open to the 21 and older crowd only.
Admission is $7 at the gate.
Anyone interested in participating in any of the events can register beginning at 11 a.m. June 23-24 at the Red Lion Hotel, 802 George Washington Way, or at the information booth at the Uptown.
There will be a pancake breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. June 25 in the gazebo at Jefferson Park across the street from Uptown Shopping Center off George Washington Way. Cost is $5.50.
The June 25 Show 'n' Shine is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with cars parked in at the Uptown and Jefferson Park. Music, kids events, vendors and food booths will be on site all day.
Slow drags event starts at noon June 25, with the Richland Fire Department sponsoring the event. The drags will be held on George Washington Way.
The awards ceremony starts at 3:30 p.m. June 25.
Wrapping up festivities June 25 will be another adult only street dance with Eclectic Approach providing the rockin' tunes. Music starts at 9 p.m. at Jack-sons next to Howard Amon Park.
Admission is $8 at the gate.
For more information, go to www.cooldesertnights.com.
*Dori O'Neal: 582-1514; doneal@tricityherald.com
