Cruising - Summer/Fall #3 2023

UNDER THE HOOD...

Issue #3 Summer-Fall 2023

Sneak Peek at Hot Shows...................................................................................................5

Brief Encounter at a Maine Truck Stop.......................................................................6-7

The Risks & Rewards of Shipping Your Classic.........................................................8-9

Interview with Mecum’s John Kraman.........................................................................10

Event Spotlight..............................................................................................................10-14

Cruise Calendar....................................................................................................................15

Show Calendar.....................................................................................................................18

Shiftin’ Gears.........................................................................................................................22

Art Director: Matthew Loeb

Advertising & Sales: Jerry duPhily

Digital Services Director: Michael O’Brian

Editorial & Research Team: Jerry duPhily, Larry Lazareff

Contributing Writers: Frank Adkins, Larry Lazareff, Ben Notaro, Lou Sitaras.

Contributing Photographers: Lindsay duPhily, Joe Grace, Ben Notaro, Bob Sliwecki

Founder and Special Consultant: Larry Lazareff

Four issues published annually (Spring, Spring-Summer, Summer-Fall, Fall-Winter)

Cruising Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved.

Cruising is designed and produced by TSN Media, Inc.

Mailing and business address: 164 Christina Landing, Wilmington, DE 19801

Contacting Cruising Magazine: Send all written correspondences to: Cruising Magazine, c/o TSN Media, 164 Christina Landing, Wilmington, DE 19801 Phone: 302-655-6483

Email: Contact@TSNPub.com

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Show and Go Garage

Some of the cool rides that showed up for the Custard Corral Cruise, which is hosted by the South Jersey Leakers and held monthly at Millville, N.J.

Photo by Ben Notaro

On the cover: A 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback F105 set to be auctioned this year at Mecum Auctions—Harrisburg. Photo courtesy Mecum Auctions

SNEAK PEEK HOT SHOWS

July 26-29: Mecum Harrisburg

PA Farm Show Complex, 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, PA 17110

Visit website for hours

Info: Mecum.com

July 29: Renault Winery & Resort American Classic Car Show & Cookout

72 N. Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215 10am-4pm Info: RenaultWinery.com

August 4-6: Carlisle Truck Nationals

Carlisle Fairgrounds, 100 Bryn Mawr Road, Carlisle, PA 17013 Fri- Sat: 7am-6pm; Sun: 7am-12pm Info: 717-243-7855; CarlisleEvents.com

August 5: 11th Annual Classic Car Cruise-In

Benefiting Cancer Support Community Delaware

Saint Mark’s High School, 2501 Pike Creek Road, Wilmington, DE 19808 Noon-3pm Info: carshows4nonprofits@gmail.com

August 19: 11th Annual Middletown Peach Festival Car Show

MOT Senior Center, 300 S. Scott Street, Middletown, DE 19709 Noon-3pm Info: carshows4nonprofits@gmail.com

August 20: Soul Riders Women With Show Vehicles/Hot Rods

VFW Hall #3792, 5695 Summit Bridge Road, Townsend, DE 19734 4-7pm Info: 302-998-5951 or Tony Lewis @ 302-858-3672; comp1deej@yahoo.com

August 24-26: Corvettes at Carlisle

Carlisle Fairgrounds, 100 Bryn Mawr Road, Carlisle, PA 17013 Fri- Sat: 7am-6pm; Sun: 7am-12pm Info: 717-243-7855; CarlisleEvents.com

August 26: Renault Winery & Resort European Car Show

72 N. Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215

10am-3pm Info: RenaultWinery.com

September 9: Delaware Valley Camaro Club All-Chevrolet Show

Diver Chevrolet, 2101 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilm., DE 19806

9am-3pm

Info: DelawareValleyCamaro.com; 302-545-8040

September 10: 31st Pennsauken Car & Bike Show

Pinsetter Bar & Bowl, 7111 Maple Avenue, Pennsauken, NJ 08109

11am-4pm

Info: 856-665-1000 x151; jvazquez@twp.pennsauken.nj.us

September 16: 32nd Downtown Millville Car Show

High Street next to Broad Street, Millville, NJ 08332

11am-3pm Info: 856-825-2600; Millville-NJ.com

September 16: 7th Coatesville Invitational Grand Prix & Moto Show

Downtown Coatesville, PA 19320

9am-4:30pm Info: info@coatesville.org; CoatesvilleGrandPrix.com

September 17: Hagley Car Show

Hagley Museum, 200 Hagley Creek Road, Greenville, DE 19807

10am-4pm Info: Hagley.org

September 24: Talleyville Fire Company’s 17th Antique & Classic Car Show

Concord Mall, 4737 Concord Pike, Wilm., DE 19803

8:30am-3pm Info: TalleyvilleFireCo.org

September 27-October 1: Fall Carlisle

Carlisle Fairgrounds, 100 Bryn Mawr Road, Carlisle, PA 17013 Wed Sat: 7am-6pm; Sun: 7am-12pm Info: 717-243-7855; CarlisleEvents.com

October 7: 14th Wings & Wheels Festival

Delaware Coastal Airport, 31553 Rudder Lane, Georgetown, DE 19947

10am-4pm Info: 302-856-1544; Georgetowncoc.com

A Brief Encounter at a Maine Truck Stop

A Brief Encounter at a Maine Truck Stop

By Frank Adkins

The heavy rain overnight had given way to a fiery sunrise. Outside, the distant clattering of idling diesel engines was periodically overpowered by the deep groan of a big rig rolling past on its way out of the parking lot, heading to its next destination presumably several hours and possibly several states away. I wiggled from my sleeping bag, donned a clean pair of work pants and a T-shirt, and clambered from my makeshift sleeping chamber, the fiberglass enclosed bed of my Dodge Dakota.

Although it was not yet 5:30am, daybreak had long passed, for the sun rises early in Maine. Goosebumps spread across my arms as the cool June air invigorated my mind and spirit. The restaurant at Dysart’s Truck Stop in Bangor didn’t open until 7:00am, but the convenience store was open now. I strode inside, brushed my teeth in the men’s room, then purchased a large coffee, an aerosol can of window cleaner, and a roll of paper towels. Maine’s woods are rife with insects, and my windshield had slaughtered hundreds of them the previous evening.

A chance encounter at Dysart's Truck Stock in Bangor, Maine led to car talk over coffee. What a great way to spend an early morning. Photos by Frank Adkins

As I scrubbed the gooey bug guts from the glass, I thought about the car events I would miss that day. I was sure many of my friends would be at the Fox Run cruise near Newark, Delaware. As much as I loved spending time in Maine, I hadn’t yet immersed myself in its car culture. Someday, I vowed. Since my teen years I had yearned to make Maine my home, and my wife and I were taking steps for that dream, now our dream, to become a reality.

Shortly after 7:00am, I entered the restaurant. Photos of area scenery captured by local photographers adorned the walls, and in the center of the floor sat an antique truck. On the back wall hung a couple of doors from rigs that had frequented the truck stop in days gone by. Although there were no Stephen King references to be seen, Dysart’s Truck Stop is said to have been the inspiration for his Maximum Overdrive book and movie. That’s not surprising considering his home is less than five miles away. I took my seat, ordered coffee and French toast, and began perusing the stories in the car magazine I had brought with me.

Good food and quick service are customary for Dysart’s, and my breakfast delivered on both counts. I pushed the magazine aside and smothered all three pieces of French toast in syrup. While savoring the first bite, I noticed a man who appeared slightly older than I sitting alone at a table nearby. His back was toward me, and his sweatshirt read: Tail of the Dragon, 11 miles, 318 curves.

Immediately I recalled the 1999 Tire Rack One Lap of America. The brainchild of Brock Yates, One Lap is what the original Cannonball Baker Sea to Shining Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, better known as The Cannonball Run, had morphed into. My longtime friend Steve Gray and I had built a junkyard-sourced 1970 Dodge Dart to do battle in One Lap more than 25 years earlier, and we had competed in 1998 and 1999. During the 1999 event, while following the route book between race venues, we came upon a twisty road that seemed to go on forever. In addition to a supercharged 360-cubic-inch V-8 and a four-speed manual transmission, we had outfitted the Dart with tight suspension and good brakes. Consequently, this road proved to be a blast! At that time, neither of us had heard of the Tail of the Dragon. It wasn’t until years later that we discovered we had actually driven this now iconic stretch of Highway 129 that links western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee.

The man in the sweatshirt finished his meal before I did. The waitress took his plate, and as he was enjoying a fresh cup of coffee I called out to him.

“Excuse me, but I noticed your shirt. Have you driven the Tail of the Dragon?” I said. Indeed, he had, in a ’93 Corvette. His eyes lit up as he spoke of the car, but he explained that not long after driving the dragon’s tail, he had been forced to sell his beloved ‘Vette due to a business

dealing that had gone awry. Recently, his wife had secretly bought it back for him. He left his chair and joined me at my table.

Over the next 20 minutes we talked about many things. He was originally from Maine, but had lived in Florida for many years. He owned a business that erected steel buildings up and down the East Coast, and his crew was finishing a job nearby. He had packed up and was heading back to Florida after breakfast. I explained that my wife and I owned property 40 miles northwest of Bangor, and I was cutting up some trunks from the trees that I had felled the previous summer so they would be out of the excavator’s way. I was delivering them to a neighbor who heated exclusively with firewood.

The man in the sweatshirt had been staying in a motel not far away. I explained that my wife and I usually stay in motels, but I couldn’t justify the expense of a motel when traveling alone. Instead, I had taken an eight-dollar shower at the truck stop and slept in my truck. Having camped extensively in tents and out in the open during my youth, camping in the truck was actually a little too refined for me.

Soon, our conversation deepened as we shared our philosophies on work ethic, honest dealings with others, and the secrets to making a marriage last. He hadn’t had an easy childhood, though he and his wife had been together since grade school. But as we talked, the topic of cars kept bubbling to the surface. There we sat, two strangers, each of whom had traveled several hundred miles, only to meet at this truck stop by pure happenstance. And now we shared snippets of our lives and our passion for cars over coffee. We both knew that we would almost surely never see each other again, yet we had found kinship through our love of automobiles. For the time that it took us to finish our coffee, we enjoyed each other’s company. But time never waits. He had to begin his jaunt down I-95, and I had more wood to cut and haul before leaving for home later in the day. We bade each other farewell and headed in opposite directions, each richer for our brief encounter.

My Dodge Dakota framed by one of Maine's wonderful overed bridges.

Shipping Your Classic

My recent experience with U-Ship.com

By Lou Sitaras

For a classic car enthusiast, it’s a gut-wrenching feeling to have your car loaded onto a truck or trailer and watch it leave the safety of your garage for another destination. Maybe it’s headed to a classic car dealer or one of the many classic car auctions that take place all over the world. Maybe, as in my case, you’re moving to a new state and need a car transporter to deliver your car. Whatever the reason, transporting classic cars is a necessity and there are many companies willing to step up and provide this service.

U-Ship.com was created to allow shippers to find carriers and carriers to find shippers. The company was featured prominently in the TV show Shipping Wars which ran on A & E from 2012-2015. The premise works like this:

1. You create a listing with a description of the item (in this case a car), a photo of the item, the current location of the item, and where you’d like it shipped to.

2. Carriers then see your listing and try to underbid each other for your business. You can check each carrier’s ratings, then make your choice at any time during the bidding process. You then make a payment to an escrow account that can only be accessed using a 6-digit PIN of your choice. That’s it!

I had a 1962 Chrysler police car that had to get shipped from Chadds Ford, Pa. to Iron Station, N.C. I created my listing and waited for the action to start. It didn’t take long. Within a few minutes, I had a quote for $1,250. I thought that was a bit steep, so I waited for additional bids. Shortly afterward, another company came in at $1,150. Then a third company came in a bit less. I watched the action as these three companies continuously underbid each other until the price came down to $750. By now, the price was only being lowered one dollar at a time, so I knew I was close to rock bottom. I chose the company with a slightly higher rating and hit the “Accept” button. The deed was done. Shortly after I accepted the bid, I received my communication. I was impressed by that and received continuous updates as the days moved forward. The day before my car was to be picked up though, I began to have a few doubts. I was receiving updates and phone calls from multiple phone numbers and the people I talked to spoke very broken English, making communication difficult other than the very basics. Nevertheless, they were in touch and I wasn’t forgotten.

Shipping day arrived and the updates were now more frequent. I found it interesting that whenever the driver was referred to by the carrier, it was always “My Guy.” The messages would read “My Guy” is on the way, or “My Guy” is near Philadelphia, or “My Guy” is 15 minutes away. This seemed very unusual. Whenever I call for an Uber ride, I get a message that reads “Joshua is on his way. He’s driving a white 2017 Nissan Altima. He’s 28 years old, an Aquarius, and likes long walks on the beach.”

OK, a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the point. The only description I received from the carrier was “My Guy.” Of course, there is a very real possibility that the shipping companies themselves deal with so many subcontractors that even they aren’t really sure who “My Guy” is.

The carrier arrived to pick up the car. He was driving a pickup cab with a three-car trailer attached. This setup is quite common in the shipping world because it skirts the requirement for a CDL license and the many regulations attached to it. The gentleman again spoke broken English so it was difficult to communicate, but he knew his business and was very professional. I noticed the name on the truck door didn’t match the name of the business, but assumed it was a subcontractor. I photographed the name as well as the license numbers

of the truck and the trailer for extra security. Then, the driver was on his way!

About one hour later I received a call from the driver — a different driver. He was nearby and ready to pick up my car. (?!?!?!) I could never adequately express to you the thoughts that went through my mind in the seconds that followed — so many different emotions.

I told the caller the driver had already picked up my car. He stated: “I am the driver. I’ve just come from Virginia to pick up your car.” I told him he should call the office. Then the office called me. They said he was the driver, and they didn’t know who the first guy was. This was not reassuring, but I kept my composure. I emailed them the photos of the name on the side of the truck doors and the license plates numbers, but I never heard back. At this point, I was thinking to myself that it was 50/50 if I ever saw my car again.

The next morning I headed south for North Carolina, still unsure of the final outcome. I took the I-95 route on the off-chance I might pass my car on the way down. Just south of Richmond, I received a call from the driver (driver #1); he indicated he was an hour away from the destination. Whew! The relief was tremendous. I had a friend meet him at the house and the car was in the same condition as when it left. I sent the driver the code to unlock the funds and off he went to his next job.

So, would I use U-Ship.com again in the future? Well, the price was fair, but they would have to update their service a bit. I know it’s difficult keeping track of so many trucks all over the country, but what happened to me should never happen to anyone.

There has to be greater accountability and communication from only one phone number. In addition, a suggestion was made to me that I could have added an Apple air tag in the trunk so that the car’s location could have been tracked. Great idea! The concept of U-Ship.com is a winner, but the execution definitely needs an update. If you can track a letter cross country, you should easily be able to track your classic car the same way.

The driver was a real professional. This car is difficult to drive with the push button trans and no park gear. Park wasn’t available on Chrysler push button transmissions until 1963.

Photo by Lou Sitaras

By Lou Sitaras

MECUM: BEHIND THE SCENES

ecum Auctions is the leading provider of the thrilling classic car auction experience in North America. From the time you set foot on the auction grounds, you are mesmerized by the cars, the colors, and the sounds of a world-class auction.

Cruising Magazine recently sat down and spoke with John Kraman, supervisor of Mecum’s on-air talent and a commentator and analyst for the televised coverage of Mecum Auctions on Motor Trend TV.

CRUISING: How many classic cars do you expect at the Mecum Auction in Harrisburg July 26-29?

KRAMAN: Our goal is to have 1,200 cars at Harrisburg Farm Complex — about 300 each day. Mecum will sell more cars in four days than a most dealerships do in an entire year!

CRUISING: How long does it take to set up such a huge event?

KRAMAN: It’s a monumental effort that most people don’t get to see. Mecum has 15 tractor trailers and about 300 people who come in several days ahead of time. The work they do is incredible and provides a seamless event for the attendees.

CRUISING: We’ve all seen the spectacular cars that Mecum offers for sale, but do they have classic cars available for the regular working man who may want to just relive his or her youth?

KRAMAN: Even though the high-dollar cars get the bulk of the publicity, the majority of cars are geared for the blue-collar worker. Approximately one-third of the inventory at the Mecum Harrisburg auction is predicted to sell in the $20,000 to $25,000 range. For someone looking to find a lower-priced vehicle or possibly a driver quality vehicle, Wednesday or Thursday are the best days to attend. The premium high- dollar vehicles tend to run through on Friday and Saturday.

CRUISING: While all of your auctioneers do a great job, you have one auctioneer from right here in Lancaster County, correct?

KRAMAN: Jimmy Landis is our lead auctioneer and does a wonderful job for us. His late father was Omar Landis, a great auctioneer in his own right and brought Jimmy up in the auction atmosphere. We are proud to have him on our staff here at Mecum Auctions.

CRUISING: What is your take on the car culture here in the northeastern part of the U.S.?

KRAMAN: Interest in classic cars here in the Pa., N.J., N.Y, Del., and Md. area is tremendous and makes up at least 25% of the car culture in the United States. Mecum recognizes this hotbed of activity and is proud to bring an event to the area. We also recognize that the auction is not just for buyers and sellers. Spectators are welcome to stop by and watch all the action. Spectator tickets are only $20 in advance, or $30 at the door and there’s no charge for children 12 and under. It’s a terrific way to absorb the thrill of the classic car auction, grab a hot dog or burger, and see for yourself what the atmosphere is like.

So, if you’re in the area from July 26-29, the Mecum Auction at the Harrisburg Farm Show Complex is a terrific way to soak in a bit of classic car thrill and maybe even see yourself on Motor Trend TV.

A few of the unique classics up for sale at this year's

Mecum Harrisburg auction (l-r): 1968 Shelby GT 500KR Fastback, 1965 VolkwsagonType II Samba F200, 1970 GTO convertible F217. Photos courtesy Mecum Auctions

Vintage Weekend

Coatesville Invitational Grand Prix returns for seventh year

Once again, vintage cars and motorcycles will be roaring through the streets of Coatesville, Pa. as the Coatesville Invitational Vintage Grand Prix is set for Sept. 14-16.

The Grand Prix is one of the few remaining events in North America featuring vintage race cars and motorcycles that run through city streets. The Grand Prix features up to 60 vintage cars and 30 vintage motorcycles traversing a two-mile course designed by Brandywine Motorsports Club. Vehicles dating back to 1983 and older that pass a safety and technical inspection are eligible to run untimed lapping sessions by class, with a staggered start, in a demonstration of driver skills and the capabilities of the historic vehicles.

“We are extremely excited to showcase our great community over three days,” says James Logan, Coatesville City Manager. “The Grand Prix has become one of the most anticipated events in the region, bringing thousands to the City of Coatesville. We invite visitors to enjoy the experience of watching dozens of vintage cars and motorcycles traverse our city streets as we roll out the red carpet to welcome our friends and guests for a day of family fun and excitement.”

Grand Prix Weekend includes a Prixview Party on Thursday, Sept. 14 (6-9pm), a Cruise-in featuring vintage cars, trucks and special interest vehicles on Friday, Sept. 15 (6-9pm), and the main event on Saturday, Sept. 16 (9am-4:30pm). Saturday admission is free and included in the day’s activities is the 1st Annual Auto/Moto Show, sponsored by Brian Hoskins Ford. Spectators can also enjoy food trucks, vendors, downtown restaurants, a lively beer garden, lunchtime entertainment, a soapbox derby and fun for the kids, all just steps away from the start/finish line. For complete event details, visit CoatesvilleGrandPrix.com.

EVENT SPOTLIGHTS

Wildwood Spring Classic Car Show

It’s always great to see shore resorts starting to come alive with car events for the new season. One such town that is no stranger to car events is Wildwood, N.J.

The Spring Classic Car Show is a season kick-off event held on Pacific Avenue next to Byrne Park. There was a great collection of fine rides to check out on this multiday gathering. If you did not get an opportunity to get to Wildwood for the Summer Car Show, you still can catch up to this event in September for the Fall Classic Car Show event.

— Top photo: Rachel Cathell; bottom Sitting Rock Creative

— Text & Photos: Ben Notaro

Cruisin’ Main Street In Downtown Hammonton

TThe city of Hammonton, N.J. and the Cruisin’ Classics Car Club teamed up to stage a cruise right in the center of town. Belleview Avenue is the main street through town and it is the location of the Cruisin’ Main Street event. This beautiful spring evening saw hundreds of rides come out to enjoy the stores and eateries in the center and side streets of town. Watching people meet and greet each other was a great reminder that our communities and their hometown shopping areas (along with car cruises) are still a special American tradition.

SUMMIT CITY FARMS & WINERY CRUISE

Summit City Farms is a family-owned agribusiness located in Glassboro, NJ. For those not aware, Glassboro State College (now Rowen University) was the location of the summit between President Lyndon Johnson and Soviet Premier Alexi Kosygin in 1967. The name of Summit City became attached to the community. There is also another gathering of sorts in Glassboro and that is a neat car cruise at Summit City Winery. This cruise saw a respectable number of cruisers with classic and military rides come out and enjoy an evening of music provided by WVLT 92.1 FM DJ Lou Costello. Attendees also sampled and purchased some fine local wines.

— Text by Ben Notaro, Photos by Robert Sliwecki

— Text & Photos: Ben Notaro

EVENT SPOTLIGHTS

Cruisin’ In Winter

During the off season of car activities, cruisers usually look for something automotive to keep the “juices” flowing. A few cruisers got together and made an appointment to go for a tour of a professional restoration facility. They agreed that watching a show-quality ride being constructed and being able to ask the proprietor questions can be a very motivating thing.

Back Road Cruisers

This year, the Back Road Cruisers moved their second Wednesday cruises to the Woodstown Diner at 16 East Ave., (Route 40 and Route 45) Woodstown, N.J (formerly held in Mullica Hill). The initial turnout was fantastic with over 65 cars and there was great food, too. The fourth Wednesday cruises are still held at the Mullica Hill Plaza on Route 77 in Mullica Hill, N.J. from 5-8pm. All are welcome.

Enter Tom Rightler who is the owner/operator of Mid-Atlantic Muscle Cars located in Bridgeton, NJ. Rightler is no stranger to restoring muscle cars and has animpressive list of clients and accomplishments. It’s also safe to say his passion for the Chevelle served as special inspiration.

While at his shop, one guest (Jim Solomon) presented Rightler with his watercolor artwork depicting Rightler’s reconstructed General Lee. A walk-through had guests checking out an area that had an original contemporary Shelby Cobra frame ready for the body (as well as related parts) and assembly to be completed. Visiting a shop that specializes in classic and specialty rides is a great way keep the spirit alive and get to see another side of our hobby. Check out Mid-Atlantic Muscle Cars at midatlanticmusclecar.com

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— Photos courtesy Liz Tumolo

— Text and Photos by Ben Notaro

Collingswood Mayfair Car Show

The 42nd Annual Collingwood May Fair and Classic Car Show covered all the bases with something for everyone. This is a community-oriented activity that brings out nearly everyone from the surrounding area.

The Delaware Valley Old Goats Club (as in Pontiac?) was on hand to host a car show that featured 200-plus rides of all makes and models. Couple this with 200 craft venders, live music, a food court as well as many local participating restaurants, and you have a spring gathering that has something for young and old to enjoy. This was truly a mile of family fun right in the heart of town.

— Text by Ben Notaro, Photos by Robert Sliwecki

Area CRUISES

Cruising Magazine makes every effort to ensure all listings are correct. However, event listings are subject to change. Please call ahead to avoid a wasted trip.

Every Monday year-round

Mighty Joe’s Cruise Nights

Mighty Joe’s Gas Grill & Deli, 1231 Route 206, Shamong, NJ 08088 Lineup between 4-4:30pm

Every Monday night yearly. Good food, good friends, cool cars. Info: 609-268-0303

Every Tuesday through October Millsboro Dairy Queen Cruz-N Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, 129 Main St, Millsboro, DE 19966

4-9pm

Info: Rusty 302-934-7377

Every 1st Saturday through Nov.

Car Cruise

BJ’s parking lot Millsboro, DE 19966

4-9pm

Info: Rusty 302-934-7377

Every Tuesday through October

Rita’s Ice Kent Island Cruise

Rita’s Italian Ice, 210 Kent Landing, Kent Island, MD 21666 5pm-until…

Weather permitting. Come on out to Rita’s Ice on Kent Island and see what old rides show up! BOGO at Rita’s with your old ride on the lot!

Every Tuesday through October

Bellmawr Cruise Night

Behind Auto Zone at 700 Crescent Blvd, Bellmawr NJ 08031

6pm until?

Hosted by the Bellmawr Cruisers. Any make or model. We are the Seinfelds of cars, we do nothing except talk and enjoy cars!

Info Doug: 609-820-2290, dlewis44@comcast. net and Jeff Bischoff 856-906-6926

Every Friday night

All-American Muscle Cars Cruise-In

Londonderry Restaurant, 47 Auction Circle, Reedsville, PA 17084

5-8pm

Presented by Keystone State Muscle Cars. All makes and models welcome. Lots of awesome cars to see hosted by Tim Drake. Bring the kids to the cruise-in!

Second Fridays through October

Grotto Pizza Presents 2nd Friday Cruise Nights

Grotto Pizza, 309 Auto Park Drive, Middletown, DE !9709

5-9pm

Come out and show off your ride and enjoy food and drinks at Grotto Pizza. Rain date is always the 3rd Friday!

Info: carshows4nonprofits@gmail.com; 302-983-6966

Every Friday through October Street Survivors Friday Cruise Nights

To the left of Burger King by Tractor Supply, Park 97 East Park Shopping Center, 7988 Crain Highway, Glen Burnie MD 21061

5:30-9pm

No Entry Fee. All vehicles allowed. Plenty of parking. Music and 50/50 every week. Car show flyers and club shirts and sweatshirts are available at the trailer. Food available at nearby establishments.

Info Tom Pattan 443-838-0948 or Rick 443-829-5658 streetsurvivorsofmaryland.com

Every 2nd & 4th Saturday through November

Mr. Bill’s Weekly Cruise Night

Mr. Bill’s of Winslow Township, 453 Route 73 South, Hammonton, NJ 08037

5-9:30pm

Great food, custard and friends. First 15 cruise cars receive a free small custard! Cruise in for a fun time.

Info: 609-878-3829

First Saturdays through October

Corvette Club Monthly Car Show & Cruise Fox Run Shopping Center, Bear, DE 19701

4-8pm

Street Rods, classic, antique, race, trucks and motorcycles. Bring whatever you have! No entry fees. Handicap Accessible, Food, Kids, Music.

Info: Bruce Norman: (908) 342-4293 vetteclub.org

EVENT LISTINGS

First Saturdays through October

Chesapeake Classic Car Club Cruise-In

Westside Village Shopping Center next to Chick-Fil-A, Easton, MD 21601

5pm

Handicap Accessible, Food, Kids, Music, All Vehicles Welcome.

Info: info@ccccofeaston.org ccccofeaston.org

2nd & 4th Wednesdays through September

Backroad Cruisers Classic Car Get Togethers

Second Wednesday at Woodstown Diner, 16 East Ave., Woodstown, NJ 08098

Fourth Wednesdays at Mullica Hill Plaza, Rt. 77, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062

5-8pm both nights

All vehicles welcome.

Info: Lavern 856-308-5921; John 856-468-5107 backroadcruisers.net

2nd & 4th Fridays through September

Historic Smithville Car Cruises

Smithville Village Greene, Smithville, NJ 08205

5-8pm

Cruise on down to Smithville and hang out! Drive to the side parking lot of the Village Greene and near the red covered bridge, you will see orange cones set up.

2nd & last Saturdays through October

Del Rods Cruise Nights

Green Tree Shopping Center, Route 8, Dover, DE 19904

5-8pm

Fee, Handicap Accessible, Food, Kids, Music, All Vehicles Welcome, Trophies. Sponsored by Hardees.

Info: Rich Selg 302-674-5365; rsludge47@aol.com

Second Saturdays through October

2022 Cruise Nights at the Bobcat Creamery

The Bobcat Creamery, 117 South Main Street, Manchester, PA 17345

4-8pm through August.

Presented by Motor Menders Rod & Custom. Rain date is the following Saturday. All vehicles welcome. Dash plaques, 3 trophies, 50/50, Oldies music.

Third Tuesdays through September

Delaware Valley Road Runners Cruise Night

Falls Township Community Park, 9061 Mill Creek Road, Levittown, PA 19054

5-8pm

Handicap Accessible, Food, Kids, Music, All Vehicles Welcome, 25 plaques each cruise night. Come out for a great time! New members are always welcome.

Info: Len: 215-510-6629, lenpribish@hotmail.com delawarevalleyroadrunners.com

Third Wednesdays through September

South Jersey Region AACA Cruise Nights

Bobbit Auto, 595 Salem Quinton Road, Salem, NJ 08079

5-8pm

Hot dogs and beverages for all drivers who bring their antique auto. Enjoy music by Ed Counsellor and see old friends.

Info: Ron Scott 856-629-6085 or Martin Erdner 856-935-0537; sjraaca.com

Every Third Friday through October

Perryville’s 3rd Friday Cruise & Concert in the Park

Lower Ferry Park, 515 Broad Street, Perryville, MD 21903

4-7pm

Show off your car from days gone by every 3rd Friday through October along the banks of the Susquehanna River! 50/50 raffle, live band and trophies awarded. Free, no registration fees.

Fourth Wednesdays through September

Back Road Cruisers 4th Wednesday Cruise Mullica Hill Shopping Center, Bridgeton Pike (Route 77), Mullica Hill, NJ 08062

5-8pm

The back Road Cruisers is a VMCAA Chapter classic car club. This cruise is our second location in Mullica Hill, NJ. Come out for a fun time catching up with old friends and making new ones, Don’t forget about our door prizes!

Info: LaVern 856-308-5921; Backroadcruisers.net

Fourth Fridays through October

Bertucci’s presents 4th Friday Cruise Nights

201 W. Main Street, Christiana, DE 19702

5-10:30pm

Bertucci’s Italian Restaurant invites you to bring your car out and enjoy conversation, food and bragging rights. Discounts to participants of the cruise night inside and outdoors. Absolutely no burn outs.

Info: carshows4nonprofits@gmail.com (302) 983-6966

Blacktop Villains Saturday Cruises

June 3, Aug. 19, Oct. 7, Nov. 11, Dec. 9 Moonshiners Bar and Grill, 2301 NJ-50, Mays Landing, NJ 08330

Start time 5pm through October, then 3 pm in November & December

Collecting non-perishable food items on all cruise dates. Toys for Toys cruise in December.

Info: Sue 609-502-3736

YCC Cruise Nights

Third Saturdays through Oct. 21

Fox Run Shopping Center, Ihop side

Rt. 40 & 72, Bear, DE 19711

4-7pm

Hosted by Yesterday’s Chevrolet Car Club. Info: 302-540-5604; wshanks@dtcc.edu

Twisted Restorations LLC

Area SHOWS

Cruising Magazine makes every effort to ensure all listings are correct. However, event listings are subject to change. Please call ahead to avoid a wasted trip. Check www.CruisingMagazine.net for rainout updates.

July 26-29 (Wednesday-Saturday)

Mecum Harrisburg

PA Farm Show Complex, 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, PA 17110

Visit website for hours Info: Mecum.com

July 29 (Saturday)

6th Annual Customer Appreciation

Day Car Show

301 Travel Plaza 921 Middletown Warwick Road, Middletown, DE 19709

11am-3pm

Over 300 of the area’s sweetest rides will be on full display. Bring the whole family for food, drinks and fun. There will be tasty BBQ, burgers and hot dogs all day long and there will be activities for the kids like a giant moon bounce and more!

Info: LaBarre Everette: 302-983-6966; carshows4nonprofits@gmail.com

July 29 (Saturday)

Watermelon Festival Car Show

Wrights Market, 9300 Old Railroad Rd., Mardela Springs, Md. 21827

11am-3pm

Hosted by Delmarva Late Great Chevys. All vehicles welcome. Registration $10 (9am-11am). Music, food, 50/50, auction. Info: Sonny: 410-546-3587

July 29 (Saturday)

American Classic Car Show & Cookout

Renault Winery & Resort

72 N. Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City, Egg Harbor, NJ 08215

10am-4pm

Classic cars with classic wines. Country music, food and more. Trophies at 2:30pm

Info: RenaultWinery.com

August 4-6 (Friday- Sunday)

Carlisle Truck Nationals

Carlisle Fairgrounds, 100 Bryn Mawr Road, Carlisle, PA 17013

Fri- Sat: 7am-6pm; Sun: 7am-12pm

Presented by A & A Auto Stores. Kids under 12 free! Event held rain or shine.

Info: 717-243-7855

CarlisleEvents.com

August 5 (Saturday)

11th Classic Car Cruise-In Benefiting Cancer Support Community Delaware Rain date: August 6 Saint Mark’s High School, 2501 Pike Creek Road, Wilmington, DE 19808

Noon-3pm

Open to all makes and models. Professionally judged. Online registration $10 before July 31. Day-of registration $20.

Info: carshows4nonprofits@gmail.com

August 19 (Saturday)

11th Middletown Peach Festival Car Show MOT Senior Center, 300 S. Scott Street, Middletown, DE 19709

12-3 pm

Rain or Shine. Open to all makes and models. Professionally Judged. Registration $10. Info: carshows4nonprofits@gmail.com

August 19 (Saturday)

Benefit for Alzheimer’s Association, Salisbury Chapter Shopper’s World Shopping Center, Route 50 & Tilghman R., Salisbury, MD 21804 5pm

Hosted by Wheels That Heal Car Club- the shore’s oldest and largest cruise-in. Dash plaques for the first 100 cars. Music, 50/50, food vendors, silent auctions, swap meet. Info: Steve Mixter: 443-735-7772

August 19 (Saturday)

37th Sudlersville Lions Club Car Show Sudlersville Park, 200 E. Main Street, Sudlersville, MD 21668 9am-3pm

$10 car registration fee. Registration from 9-10am. Judging 12-2pm. Awards at 2:30pm. Fish fry starts at 11am. Proceeds support the charitable giving of Sudlersville Lions Club. Info: Ron Ford: 410-438-3331

August 19 (Saturday)

Cape Classics Cycle & Auto Show 525 Stone Harbor Blvd. Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 10am-4pm

Trophies, Live Music, Food Trucks, Vendors Info: CapeClassicsMC.com

EVENT LISTINGS

August 20 (Sunday)

Soul Riders Auto Club’s Car Show

Women with Show Vehicles/Hot Rods

VFW Hall #3792, 5695 Summit Bridge Road, Townsend, DE 19734

4-7pm

Handicap Accessible, Food, Kids, Music, Trophies.

Info: 302-998-5951 or 302-858-3672; comp1deej@yahoo.com

August 24-26 (Friday-Sunday)

Corvettes at Carlisle

Carlisle Fairgrounds, 100 Bryn Mawr Road, Carlisle, PA 17013

Fri- Sat: 7am-6pm; Sun: 7am-12pm Kids under 12 free! Event held rain or shine. Info: 717-243-7855 CarlisleEvents.com

August 26 (Saturday)

European Car Show

Renault Winery & Resort

72 N. Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City, Egg Harbor, NJ 08215

10am-3pm

Stunning European luxury cars with classic wines. music, food and more. Trophies 2:30pm Info: RenaultWinery.com

August 27 (Sunday)

14th Annual Salute to our Veterans Cruise

Rain date: Sept. 10 New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home 524 NW Blvd., Vineland, NJ 08360 10am-3pm

$5.00/ vehicle donation, all vehicles welcome, 50/50, music, Food vendors and more...

Info: Bill Nese: 609-381-3249 & bn67fairlane@ gmail.com

September 4 (Monday)

DVRR Labor Day Car Show

Falls Township Community Park, 9061 Mill Creek Rd. Levittown, PA 19054 10am-2pm

Registration fee $15. 25 Plaques, Food, Music, All money goes to PA Wounded Warriors. Info: Len Pribish: 215-510-6629; lenpribish@hotmail.com

September 9th (Saturday)

DVCC All-Chevrolet Show

Rain date Sept 16

Diver Chevrolet 2101 Pennsylvania Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19806 9am-3pm

DJ, food truck, 50/50, Top 25 + specialty awards. Pre-registration $15/$20 day of show.

Info: www.delawarevalleycamaro.com: Don 302-545-8040

September 9 (Saturday)

White Haven 2nd Annual Car Show

Lehigh Park, 300 Lehigh Street, White Haven PA 18661 9am-3pm

Car registration at 8am. $15 entry fee. 12 & Under FREE. Live Music, Vendors, Food, Tricky Trays

Info: Terry Kimmey 215-870-9428; twkimmey@verizon.net

September 10 (Sunday)

Annual Car & Bike Show & Craft Fair

Rain date Sept. 17

Pinsetter Bar & Bowl, 7111 Maple Avenue, Pennsauken, NJ 08109 11am-4pm

Presented by Pennsauken Township and Pinsetter with food, DJ music, live music, large screen football viewing area. Awards in every class. All spectators free.

Info: Juan Vazquez; 856-665-1000 x151; jvazquez@twp.pennsauken.nj.us

September 16 (Saturday)

32nd Downtown Millville Car Show

Rain date: Sept. 16

High Street next to Broad Street, Millville, NJ 08332

11am-3pm

Presented by Millville Savings Bank in partnership with the Greater Millville Chamber of Commerce. Registration begins at 9am. No admittance fee for car participants. Food, refreshments and kids zone.

Info: 856-825-2600 Millville-nj.com

September 16 (Saturday)

7th Annual Coatesville Invitational Vintage Grand Prix & 1st Annual Auto/Moto Show

Downtown Coatesville, Pa. 19320

9am -4:30pm

Witness the grace, power, and beauty of vintage cars and motorcycles dating from 1900 to 1983 as they tackle a challenging 2-mile road course. Music and entertainment, vendor village, food trucks, beer garden, kids activites, including soap box derby.

Info: James Logan: 610-384-0300 info@coatesville.org

September 16 (Saturday)

Chariots of Fire Fall Fest Car Show

Rain date: Sept. 23

Classic Auto Mall, 6180 Morgantown Road, Morgantown, PA 19543

10am-3pm

400 Barn finds on display inside. 2,500 vehicle capacity outside. Great variety of all vehicles. Car photos, door prizes and great food!

Info: Pastor Lawrence Weed: 610-322-1622, pastorweed@hotmail.com

GREATER WOODBINE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

12th Annual

SHOW CARS, ANTIQUES, MUSCLE CARS, RACE CARS, MILITARY VEHICLES, ANYTHING ANTIQUE, ARE WELCOME!

SWAP MEET

Cars, Antiques, Tools, Auto Related Dealers WELCOME!

VENDORS ADMITTED AT 7AM (must be in by 9am) VENDOR SPACES ARE 12’ x 12’.

VENDORS MUST CALL FIRST!

Vehicle Pre-Registration Fee is $15 by Oct. 1 $20 at the Show

EVENT LISTINGS

chariots-of-fire.org

September 16 (Saturday)

Draggin Wagons Car, Truck & Bike Show

Honeybrook Gardens, 3940 Horseshoe Pike, Honey Brook, PA 19344 10am-2pm

Check Facebook for any changes, $15 vehicle registration at gate. Category plaques awarded and Club President’s Choice, music, 50/50, gift basket raffle, food & drink. All proceeds support local charities in the tri-county area. Please bring a non-perishable food donation.

September 16 (Saturday)

Blacktop Villains Annual Car-B-Q

Rain date: Sept. 17

324 S. White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037 1pm

Free car show. Every show car gets a welcome pack which includes registration form, door prize ticket and some surprises. Huge buffet lunch- $15 in advance; $20 day of show.50/50 and massive Chinese auction. Soda, water and kids under 10 are free.

Info: Sue: 609-502-3736

September 16 (Saturday)

Chili Cook-Off Night

Shopper’s World Shopping Center, Route 50 & Tilghman Road, Salisbury, MD 21804 5pm

Hosted by Wheels That Heal Car Club- the shore’s oldest and largest cruise-in. Rain dates are typically the next week. Dash plaques for the first 100 cars. Best Chili Contest with awards. Donations benefit Halo Ministries. Music, 50/50, food vendors, silent auctions, swap meet and more.

Info: Steve Mixter: 443-735-7772

September 17 (Sunday)

Hagley Car Show

Hagley Museum and Library, 200 Hagley Creek Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19807 10am-4pm

Theme: Celebrating Bygone Brands. Browse through more than 500 antique and restored cars from the late 1990s all the way back to the early twentieth century. Show features vehicle parades, motoring music, and a food court. Use Hagley’s main entrance off Route 141 in Wilmington, Del.

Info: 302-658-2400 & carshow@hagley.org

September 22-24 (Friday-Sunday)

Wildwood Fall Boardwalk Classic Car Show

Wildwood Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260

10am-3pm

Vehicles are displayed along Wildwood’s Boardwalk during the show weekends. Participants win cash prizes, door prizes and trophies.

Info: 609-778-7887 Wildwoodcarshows.net

September 23 (Saturday)

10th Annual Joisey Boys Fairlane Show

Rain date: Sept. 30

Victory Bar & Grill, 795 S. Route 73, West Berlin, NJ 08091

10am-2pm

Free show to all Fairlanes, Torinos, Rancheros and Mercury equivalents from 62 to 79. Members and non-members are welcome. There will be food, trophies, 50/50, door prizes and more.

Info: Bill Nese: 609-381-3249; bn67fairlane@gmail.com

September 23 (Saturday)

Mobtown Greaseball

Key Brewery, 2500 Grays Road, Dundalk, MD 21222

11am start.

A “Car Kulture” celebration live music and prize giveaways. Awards for Furthest Travel, Baddest Bomb, and a Pinup Contest. Cars must be 1969 or older. Rain or shine event.

Info: MobtownGreaseball.com

September 24 (Sunday)

17th Antique & Classic Car Show

Rain date: Oct. 1

Concord Mall, 4737 Concord Pike, Wilm., DE 19803

8:30am-3pm

Presented by Talleyville Fire Co. A benefit for Ronald McDonald House of DE. All cars welcome. Fire Safety Fair and Open House. Free popcorn & drinks. Food Trucks. Antique fire trucks.

Info: Steve Catalano 302-478-1110 TalleyvilleFireCo.org

September 24 (Sunday)

Soul Riders Auto Club’s Car Shows

VFW Hall #3792, 5695 Summit Bridge Road, Townsend, DE 19734

11am-3pm

Collecting socks, underwear, and other item for men, women & children in shelters. Handicap Accessible, Food, Kids, Music, Trophies. Info: 302-998-5951; comp1deej@yahoo.com

September 27- October 1 (Wed.-Sunday)

Fall Carlisle

Carlisle Fairgrounds, 100 Bryn Mawr Road, Carlisle, PA 17013

Wed- Sat: 7am-6pm; Sun: 7am-12pm Info: 717-243-7855 CarlisleEvents.com

September 30 (Saturday)

Milford Elks Annual Car Show

18951 Elks Lodge Road, Milford, DE 19963 9am-1pm

Benefiting Milford Elks Lodge Scholarship Fund. $15 pre-registration fee; $20 day of show. Music, food, raffles, door prizes, craft show, trophies, dash plaques to first 50. Info: 302-424-2401

September 30 (Saturday)

Milford Lions Club Annual Car Show

Milford High, NE 10th St., Milford, DE 19963 9am-1pm

Trucks, hot rods, stock. Trophies for each class and best of show. Door prizes, raffle, food. Info: Secretarymic8897@gmail.com

October 7 (Saturday)

14th Wings & Wheels Fall Festival

Delaware Coastal Airport, 31553 Rudder Lane, Georgetown, DE 19947 10am-4pm

All makes and models welcome. Over 30 trophies in 7 classes. Registration $20 per car. Vintage plane fly-in and car show. Military displays, pilot competitions, craft & food vendors. Presented by Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, DE Aviation Museum & HVCCDE Info: 302-856-1544; Georgetowncoc.com

October 7 (Saturday)

3rd Annual Victory Christian Fellowship Church Car Show

Rain date: Oct. 14

100 Wilton Blvd., New Castle, DE 19720 Noon–3pm

Free Event. Open to all makes and models. Professionally Judged. Food Trucks. Info: carshows4nonprofits@gmail.com

October 14 (Saturday)

Greater Woodbine Chamber of Commerce

12th Annual Car Show & Swap Meet

Rain date: Oct. 15

501 Washington Ave, Woodbine, NJ 08270 9am-3pm

32nd ANNIVERSARY

Dash Plaques to first 250 entries. Registration $15 by 10/1;day of show $20. Show cars & antiques, muscle cars, race cars, hot rods, Jeeps, trucks, military vehicles. Hit N Miss Engines, anything unique. Swap Meet: Bring all your extra parts (rent a space $35) Info: Lisa: 609-780-3088

SHIFTIN’ GEARS

By Ben Notaro • red63vetnj@comcast.net

f you have been in this hobby long enough, you recall a time when one of the unspoken “rules” of car show gatherings was the distribution of the goodie

Often, this bag and its contents were free to the show promoters — courtesy of classic car insurance companies and, in some cases, parts suppliers or reproduction parts suppliers. For starters, they were free for the asking and many of them were great for advertising a particular manufacturer and their products. Most were plastic bags; today many are the cloth-type carriers.

The bags always contained a good assortment of goodies — from key fobs to stickers to whatever promotional item a company was willing to donate. I recall when I staged my all-Camaro show some years ago, writing 35 to 40 letters (no e-mail back then) to companies explaining my event and asking for everything from samples to literature. I had companies send large supplies of sample car care products, from wax to window cleaning pads. The goal of most goodie bags at a car show is to give the participant as much free stuff as possible. This is a great “’gift” to the participant as well as a promotional opportunity for products available in the classic car hobby.

Today the goodie bag is not as common a gift to the show participants. Times and COVID (3 stale years) have altered the generosity of the companies. Today’s strained economy has weakened some opportunities for event promoters to be able to procure free items for the goodie bags they may have to give out. Also, the dynamics of the car shows have changed a bit with the times and the good ol’ goodie bag is not as popular as it used to be.

It was always fun to have a goodie bag party and get friends or club members to come out and have a bag stuffing night. I recall one year that I had a sizable bag to hand out to my show participants and it was nice to hear their comments on the bag’s contents.

Well, our hobby is a hobby of change and sometimes that change sees a decline or a discontinuation of a part of the show, cruise or gathering scene.

It is still a fond memory to think about the good ol’ days when one registered their car and was given a bag of neat promotional items to check out while relaxing at a show.

Department of Information: Get your show and cruise info to Cruising Magazine ASAP. Cruisers plan and you want them to be aware early on!

Department of Health: It’s summertime. You know the drill — dress for the weather, stay hydrated and check your car’s cooling system.

Department of Interior: Hot vinyl + wearing shorts = toasted thighs and buns.