For the past 26 years, Labor Day weekend has meant thousands of hot rods, customs, muscle cars, and street machines congregating at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa for the Orange County Cruisin’ Association’s annual Great Labor Day Cruise. This year’s 27th annual event did not disappoint with a show-n-shine, autocross, cackle fest, model car contest, live music, and more. BangShift.com’s man on the street was forum member Scott “Rebeldryver” Liggett in his 1965 Impala SS. Scott shot photos, took notes, and got us all the dirt while on the scene, and for his efforts earned our undying gratitude and some BangShift.com apparel. 

The coolest thing about the Great Labor Day show is that it really is a weekend long family event with plenty of cruising, show cars, and music to keep you and your family entertained. And thanks to the fantastic facilities at the Orange County Fairgrounds, the event includes a huge campground area filled with tailgating barbecueing fools. Even with all the RVs, the fairgrounds offer great cruising, manufacturers midway, and even an autocross. This years event had more than 3,000 show cars in attendance for the three days, and all who attended enjoyed the always perfect southern California weather. Combine that with the OCCA’s well oiled car show running machine, sponsors like Barry’s Speed Shop, Global West, Magnaflow, Port-a-cool, Bendpack, and QA1, and you are almost guaranteed a successful show. If you didn’t make it out to this year’s show, put it on your calendar for 2010.

In the meantime, check out our gallery here.