They cruised in from locations throughout the Central Valley, some classic cars shined to a pristine finish, others obviously still a work in progress, but for all, the idea was to share some stories and spend a day admiring vehicles of all shapes and sizes, makes and models. And hopefully, take home a trophy.
Escalon Lions Club hosted its 22nd annual Autumn Cruise on Saturday, with an estimated 330 vehicles in the park and the surrounding area along Main Street for the show.
“I think it has gone pretty good,” said Doug George, this year’s organizer for the annual car cruise. “It was a little crazy earlier in the morning but it has settled down now.”
Auto enthusiasts arrive early for the best parking spots and set up for the day, many bringing in pop ups and lawn chairs, settling in.
“I go to about eight (car shows) a year and this is one of our favorites,” said Steve Mahaney of Oakdale, displaying his 1948 Chevy Coupe with wife Jeanie. “One, because of the people, also it’s a fundraiser, we get to park on the grass with some shade, there’s terrific raffle prizes, nice trophies, and all the people that put it on are warm and gracious.
“Also hats off to the ladies that do the raffles, they really outdo themselves.”
George said his last count of entries was 330 cars, with proceeds from the day including entry fees and raffle sales benefiting the Lions Club scholarships for Escalon High School graduating seniors.
“For my first year coordinating it, it turned out good but I had a lot of good help, a lot of Lions members helping out,” said George.
From Packards to Chevelles, Camaros to Thunderbirds, there was a car to suit everyone’s fancy. A couple of different car clubs, including the Central Valley Early Iron Car Club, VC Misfits Car Club and the Mid Valley Car Club, were also in attendance.
First time participant Michael Brazil of Escalon had his 1969 Chevy in the show.
“I’ve had it since high school, about 2002,” he said. “This is my first time but I like it, a lot, it’s good to come back to the hometown show.”
