COLD LAKE – The Cold Lake Cruisers revved up their 25th anniversary celebrations with a special Cruise Night on Aug. 15, starting at the Cold Lake Marina and leading into their Show and Shine the following day at the Cold Lake Energy Centre.
Travis Roe, the acting president of the Cold Lake Cruisers, said the cruise night has become an important tradition for the community. The anniversary event included special shirts, and several members of the club taking part.
He noted that while organizing is a big part of the event, the community plays the most important role.
“It takes everyone to make this successful. We can do the best organizing in the world, but if we don't have spectators or participants, it's just a well-organized show, and that's as far as it goes.”
The shorter Cruise Night event gives families a chance to enjoy the cars in a more relaxed way, compared to the longer Show and Shine, which was held the next day.
The Cruisers have kept the tradition alive through the years, even adapting during the pandemic. “You know, over the years, when there was lockdown, we started doing more of the community cruise. We've always done this traditionally once a year, but then we did them a little bit more periodically. People did warm up to it.”
Roe added that the event attracted a growing variety of participants, including visitors from the Edmonton area.
The Show and Shine on Aug. 16, marked the club’s 25th anniversary and drew a record number of registrations.
“We actually started doing a pre-registration [where] we're using a Car Show Pro . . . So right now we have over 105 pre-registered,” he said, during the weekend event.
Roe added that they were aiming for even higher.
“As long as the weather holds out, we would expect . . . 200. Last year, we had about 155. Previous years . . . we went hovered around that 121 mark, so it has been growing. This year is the first time we've done a Saturday event. So hopefully people can stay the weekend.”
Along with showcasing cars, the event supported the local charity Haying in the 30’s. Funds raised by the society go directly to supporting people who are battling cancer.
The Cold Lake Cruisers also partnered with the Agricultural Society to boost fundraising efforts. “The AG Society were pioneers of the Cold Lake Cruisers. And they are going to help with the 50-50."
Despite some concerns about weather, Roe said the turnout and energy stayed positive.
Over time, the Cruisers have worked to make their events open to all kinds of vehicles, from imports and classics to motorcycles and diesels, helping car culture grow across the region. Their focus moving forward is to keep expanding participation, while raising funds for Haying the 30’s, Roe explained.
