HOWICK – Close to 275 drivers steered their vintage vehicles, classic cars, trucks, tractors, dune buggies, and motorcycles into the parking lot at the Howick Community Centre on Aug. 9 for the 10th annual Cruise Night.
Sparky the fire dog greeted children, a Wingham fire truck was set in the back row, and several Howick volunteer firefighters were on hand to help with the anniversary celebration.
A 1971 Ford Maverick owned by Dennis Wagner of Monkton sat first in line at the entrance with a range of dune buggies aligned on the hilltop behind.
Marg Hessels of Parker and friend Randy Becker arrived in a red 2008 427R Stage 3 supercharged Jack Roush Mustang.
Ingrid Hotchkiss drove a yellow 1972 Plymouth Satellite owned by her brother Don Woestenenk of Palmerston.
You could find a red 1999 Plymouth Prowler owned by Brad and Nancy Crozier of Palmerston, a 1966 Ford Mustang owned by Wayne and Jeanette Zurbrigg of Palmerston, and a 1979 Dodge Aspen owned by Jan and Laura Van Suest of Palmerston parked not too far from the Gas Hogg, a red 1931 Ford Model A owned by Dave Millen of Teeswater.
A 1966 Ford Mustang owned by Wayne and Jeanette Zurbrigg of Palmerston was also among the vintage vehicles on display.
Don Weber of Clifford drove his 1976 Mercury Cougar, Steve and Karen Redmile of Port Elgin set their 1938 Hudson 112 out for display.
Bill Miller of Fordwich had his 1949 International pick up truck on display.
Marvin and Dianne Gingrich of Gowanstown set up their 2018 Jeep Wrangler American Fastback Badlands vehicle complete with a ladder to reach the living quarters on the roof. Only three were built in Canada for the show circuit and Marvin and his son own two.
By 8:30pm, Lexie Wormington was finished singing and playing her guitar, DJ Devine Chelsea Zurbrigg was finished spinning the oldies, and it was time for speeches and draws. Emcee Dan Bieman welcomed all and shared his appreciation for the overwhelming number of vehicles and spectators who arrived for this tenth anniversary celebration.
Howick Reeve Doug Harding is proud of the show and the many people who organize the cruise nights. Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson couldn’t believe the variety of vehicles noting enthusiasm for classics is growing.
Draws were made for the 50/50 draw in support of the Legion, for cases of oil, hats and water bottles, and a custom car cleaning won by Phyllis Ireland.
Throughout the evening, hundreds of hamburgers, sausage on a bun, and hotdogs were barbecued by Nana Helen Park, Ron Harkness, and Werner Frey. Alyssa Bonneville, Dayden Frey, and Coulton Frey helped Lisa Frey sell cold beverages, and Adrianna Frey sold all the Rheo Thompson mint smoothies in her basket. All of the food proceeds will support Camp Maple Leaf.
Everyone is welcomed back for the season’s end Cruise Night to be held Friday, Sept. 13.
