Well, the time has finally come. Cruise-In is back.
After being 鈥渃losed for the season鈥 in 2010, Cruise-In president Riccardo Sestito and his car fanatic team are bringing the 91原创 Good Times Cruise-In back to town on Saturday, Sept 10.
鈥淭he show is back rain or shine, and we鈥檙e not even skipping a beat,鈥 Sestito said.
The 100,000 or so visitors who are expected can enjoy hundreds of hot rods, street rods and antique cars lining the streets of the Downtown 91原创 core, along with the great food, entertainment and shops that come with the package.
This year Cruise-In is proud to be supporting the 91原创 Stroke Recovery, Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association and the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Auxiliary as its main charities.
Well over $1 million has been raised to support local charities since Cruise-In鈥檚 beginning in 1997. Organizers are excited to be able to bring this great fundraiser back to life.
And with a year off to reflect on Cruise-Ins past, some new changes are now being implemented.
Pre-registration of vehicles is now required, at a cost of $25, which will go to 2011 Cruise-In charity beneficiaries. This can be done either online, or by mail through print-out applications found on the website.
The organized Friday night cruise to the Twilight Drive-In in Aldergrove has also been suspended, to discourage unsafe racing actives that were staged in 2009 by an outside, unaffiliated group.
What will remain is a great show on Saturday and a swap meet on Sunday. New merchants, contests and performances are being included to make the event better than ever before.
鈥淲e鈥檙e carrying on with the show and we want to hold the best show,鈥 Sestito said.
The task now is to round up enough donations and sponsors to fund the event.
New land permit costs and belt tightening from previous sponsors are putting a strain on organizers. In past years, memorabilia and merchandise have been paid for in advance, but there is just no money in the budget to do this for 2011.
Sestito urges local businesses and large companies to get involved with sponsoring this massive event in the City.
He says it is a great opportunity to get their name out to large crowds of people from across the continent, and is an opportune time to give back to the community through the local Cruise-In charities.
For more information on sponsorship, volunteer opportunities and registration, visit www.langleycruise-in.com.