Diamond Bar Birthday Car Show Cruises through the Years

In 1993, a fleet of antique cars were staged at the building on Copley Drive. Parading in formation along Golden Springs Drive to Peterson Park, the inaugural car show opened at Diamond Bar’s fourth Birthday Party.

To accommodate public viewing and judging, the owners made a day of it and remained at the park with their cars for the rest of the afternoon.

The original idea for the car show sprang to life at a brainstorming session on how to raise attendance at the annual event. Diamond Bar Improvement Association (DBIA) board member Shelly Urban’s father was a car enthusiast, so a car show was a natural suggestion.

Being "raised with roadsters," Shelly’s idea to add a car show as a way to bring in more attendees was enthusiastically embraced.

Jolene Zirbes recalls that her husband, the late city councilman, Bob Zirbes, loved the idea as a way to "promote the DBIA."

Bob and Shelly continued to be a formidable force in driving the inaugural car show.

Shelly’s father, Bill Lovell, owned three classic cars which became models for the event’s publicity. Lovell worked to canvass car clubs he was associated with, pulling in 38 entrants to the first car show.

Shelly said she remains thrilled with the "huge response… and fun."

Riding with former State Senator Frank Hill in the inaugural parade, Al and Eileen Flores were owners of the town hotspot at the time, Brahma Burgers. Both car buffs, in the early years of the car show, they particularly enjoyed showing off the Meridian Red 1963 Chevy that has followed their life adventures since it was purchased in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The Flores’ still own the 1963 Chevy, which has only repainted once, and the car still appears brand new. Eileen said that one of the benefits for visitors to the car show is that "it is a great place to ask questions. Not just about specific cars, but for general advice and reliable recommendations for care."

In 1998, in his “Bit from Bob” column carried by the DBIA publication The Windmill, Bob Zirbes encouraged residents to join in.

"If you have a classic, antique or street rod and want to show it off- this is your chance," Zirbes wrote. Bob announced he was bringing his own ’66 convertible mustang and optimistically predicted that the 200 slots would “fill up quick."

By 1999, the event’s popularity was overwhelming. A limit of 125 cars was set. In 2001, the “Shine and Show” entrance fee was set at $15 in advance or $20 for those who took their chance to have a spot open that day.

Encouraged by Councilman Bob Huff, Art Herrera entered his 1957 white with red interior Thunderbird in the 50-70 Ford category in 2002. Taking best in class on his first and only show proved to be a singular thrill.

His wife Carol, Mayor Pro Tem that year, came to appreciate what the car owners did, not just in preparing a car to show, but on the actual day. As the cars are on show the entire day, entrants "give up the entire day" to monitor their artwork on wheels.

Even though her husband chose to "retire" from the event after his initial success, Art’s wife, Councilwoman Carol Herrera, is pleased the City took over the popular show when DBIA disbanded in 2009. “I love antique cars…," Herrera said, "and (the City Birthday Party) is a terrific time and place that allows people who love antique cars to showcase them."