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It has become a tradition that adds significantly to the Festival of Balloons’ 4th of July Parade each year.
All those Model A Fords that roll down Mission Street in South Pasadena’s big event is a result of some generous goodwill by two area automobile organizations.
At the forefront is the Santa Anita A’s, a car club that has provided many vehicles over the years to the city’s parade since its inception in 1982. The organization is dedicated to the restoration, preservation, and enjoyment of the Model A Ford.
This year, the Santa Anita A’s have invited another San Gabriel Valley Model A club to participate in the parade. For the first time, San Gabriel Valley Model A Restorers Club (MARC) will also bring out some of it cars to roll down the half-mile route. MARC is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2018. The two organizations have many members who belong to both clubs.
“Our goal is to educate the public about Model A’s and have fun while doing it,” explained Marlin Perry, a Santa Anita A’s club member who also serves on the city’s Festival of Balloons’ Committee.
Between the two clubs, 19 classic cars will take part in South Pasadena’s Festival of Balloons, including 10 that will carry dignitaries down the parade route.
It will be a full day of fun for members of both organizations. “Before the parade we will enjoy coffee and donuts at a member’s home and after the parade we will have a hot dog lunch at another members home making this a very enjoyable day,” said Perry.
The Santa Anita A’s Model A club is a chartered member of a national Model A organization, the Model A Ford Club of America (MAFCA). The San Gabriel Valley MARC Club is a chartered member of The Model A Restorers Club of America. MAFCA and MARC members receive a bi-monthly magazine, which includes interesting Model A stories and technical articles.
Santa Anita A’s general membership meetings are held on the last Friday of every month, except in December when a holiday party is scheduled. Meetings, held at the Temple City Live Oak Park Community Room starting at 7 p.m., include a guest speaker, raffle and refreshments.
San Gabriel Valley MARC Club’s general membership meetings are held on the third Tuesday every month, except in December when a holiday party is held. Meetings take place at the Temple City Live Oak Park Community Room at 7 p.m.
A news release from the Marlin Perry, member of the Santa Anita A’s, contributed to this story.
