The Santa Maria Fairgrounds were hoppin’ in September for three days of classic cars and snazzy music at Cruzin’ for Life, an annual event that aims to make a big difference in the lives of cancer survivors. Our studio was honored to be there to photograph the entire event for the charity! Every year, Cruzin’ for Life raises money for cancer patient support, contributing to Marian Cancer Care, the American Cancer Society, Camp Reach for the Stars, and the Young Cancer Survivor’s Scholarship Fund. The event consists of a car show and a cancer survivor’s cruise, where young and old cancer fighters parade down Santa Maria’s Broadway street in classic cars adorned with purple flames or sexy racing stripes.

This is the third time Russell Gearhart Photography has been the official photographer at the event. Support for this event has grown over the years, and this year the weekend included a Friday night family fun event, and a Saturday night dinner and auction. Not to mention the big new event this year — an all day Sunday concert tribute! The concert featured artists Lee Rocker, Dave Mason, and Los Lobos. Needless to say, Russell, Kelli, Kenley, and I, were all excited to once again have the chance to document these fun and important festivities!

Rocking out and photographing Cruzin’ for Life was so much fun, I’ve had to split this blog post in two halves. This first section covers the events of Friday and Saturday, and a second will share highlights from the Sunday afternoon concert.

Friday family fun night was full of colorful cars, carnival games, rides, and tasty food.

You could get your face painted or text a friend on the Ferris wheel.

Then doo-wop-wop with your better half at the 60’s dance.

The evening’s entertainment included Merrel Fankhauser of the band Impacts and the 60’s band the Sorensen Bros.

On Saturday, classic cars covered the fairgrounds from curb to curb. Some sported cancer survivor flags.

In the afternoon, all the cars lined up on Broadway Boulevard for the survivor’s cruise!

Cruisin’ in those snazzy cars can work up a healthy appetite. Good thing they were cooking some BBQ back at the fairgrounds.

The color guard entered the pavilion, beginning the dinner and auction on Saturday night.

Going once… going twice… may the auction begin!

Honored guests Cole and Jason shared their survival stories. They helped raise hundreds of dollars for the summer camp they attend, Camp Reach for the Stars.

Lee Rocker (of Stray Cats fame) gave a surprise performance with his band.

Meanwhile, the Russell Gearhart Photography photobooth was a big hit! Groups used props and hammed it up in front of our photobox!

And of course, every group went home with a souvenir photobooth print!

What a fun couple of days! See part two of this post, with the Sunday concert event, here: Cruzin For Life: Part 2

If you want to help support this cause, learn more about upcoming events, donate, or participate in next year’s cruise, visit the Cruzin’ For Life website to see how you can get involved.