Cars, Cards, and a Day of Fun - The Legends Car Classic

Car enthusiasts, sponsors, and The Bicycle Casino worked together recently to help support several worthy charities by means of a special event at the Bike.

Nearly 4,000 people went to The Bicycle Casino to admire the more than 200 classic and custom cars and hot rods that were on display in the parking lot of the casino. It was an exceptional turnout for a first-time event. "We couldn't be more pleased with the results of our show," said Hashem Minaiy, chief operating officer of the Bike.

"The day was filled with opportunities for the community to admire the hard work that goes into these beautiful machines, and we can't express enough our gratitude to all of those who helped implement and support this event," said Kelley O'Hara, marketing director for the casino.

Event chairman Sinan Sinanyan expressed appreciation of everyone's commitment to the success of the event by stating, "Bicycle Casino team members really got behind this event."

From a 1939 Chevy Fleetline to a '55 Ford Thunderbird convertible, the cars on display were magnificent. In addition, select sponsors, including Winston Tires, Raceline Wheels, Special Vehicle Concepts, AWC, Goodyear, and the Press-Telegram, were there to show off their newest products. With Budweiser, Corona, Bacardi Silver, and Doc's Hard Freeze malt beverage cooling people down, and the local '50s diner "Frisco's" dishing out hamburgers and hot dogs, there was no shortage of food or drink.

The day was also filled with entertainment. A live band performed, K-Earth (a local oldies station) set up a live remote, and the Frisco carhop girls danced and skated throughout the event.

The Red Cross Blood Mobile was at full capacity for most of the day with people donating blood, including three people who were able to provide a rare blood type for the drive.

New players were given the opportunity to learn blackjack and poker at "free" tables that were set up outside. "It was great to see so many new players at the tables that day, which created a new energy on the floor of the casino," commented Rick Cloward, poker operations manager, and James Wang, Asian operations manager.

The best thing about the day, though, was the sense of community pride among the car owners and throngs of people who enjoyed the event. Men, women, and children alike enjoyed a day of free entertainment and the opportunity to see hundreds of classic cars in one location.

"We brought the kids down to enjoy the sun and the cars. We don't usually stop in at the casino, but we were really surprised when we saw the improvements that have been made here in the last two years," said one car fan.

"My kids love these shows. We stop by the smaller events to check out the cars every now and then, but having the chance to see so many classics in one spot was thrilling for my boys," said another car fan.

The commitment from The Bicycle Casino and its many sponsors to help several charitable causes by donating a portion of the proceeds to the Rio Hondo Boys and Girls Club, the Bicycle Casino's College Scholarship Fund, the Ivey Ranch Children's Development Center, and the Bell Gardens Merchants & Commerce Association made this event a special day for all involved.

The Bicycle Casino extends special thanks to its corporate sponsors, including Winston Tires, Raceline Wheels, the Press-Telegram, Special Vehicle Concepts, Pepsi, Budweiser, GoodYear, Dunlop, AWC, Frisco's, and Private Stock and Tents by Noonan, who put forth their best efforts to create a great event.

More than 120 trophies and cash prizes were awarded in a multitude different categories, including the Owner's Choice Award, Custom, Muscle, Hot Rod, Stock, Cruiser, Club Participant, Judges' Pick, Best of Show, and many others. Complete results of the show are available at www.thebicyclecasino.com.