COLD LAKE - On Aug. 16, the Cold Lake Cruisers gathered at the GMC Carwash in Cold Lake for a cruise night event celebrating car culture in all its forms, as well as offering a teaser of the car show that was held at the Energy Centre on Aug.18.
As a non-profit organization with a mission to unite auto enthusiasts, the group welcomes everyone from fans of classic cars to lovers of the latest imports. Their goal is to restore, showcase, and most importantly, drive their prized vehicles.
“It's just to bring car enthusiasts from the local area together and just share a common bond of owning muscle cars, antique cars, trucks, motorcycles. It's all about the auto, the car enthusiasts, the motorcycle enthusiasts, you know, just anybody that's in motor vehicles, honestly,” said Mike Williams, a five-year member of the Cold Lake Cruisers.
The event was more than just an opportunity to show off sleek cars. It was also a way to give back to the community.
Williams emphasized the club's charitable efforts, saying, “We also do donate to local charities. We do fundraisers and stuff like that... For our show now, we'll donate to Haying in the 30’s."
The club also runs a "Fill the Hearse" program during Halloween, where members collect food donations for the local food bank.
While the event included a gathering of enthusiasts, the excitement did not end there. The club is always looking to expand and create more buzz.
“We’re trying to expand. We're always trying to make this weekend better for everybody... With Mudfest, we had a car show with them the other night, and they had a bunch of trucks out there and stuff like that. So, you know, and we're promoting each other,” explained Williams.
The Cold Lake Cruisers do not just limit their love of vehicles to shows. They also embrace every opportunity to hit the road.
“During COVID, when everybody was locked down, we actually did community cruises,” Williams recalled. “We went around, kids had birthday parties or anniversaries and stuff. We actually organized a parade and we did drive-bys for all the people that had birthdays and stuff for that week. It's something we've always been doing... promoting Cold Lake and the community.”
Those interested in getting involved with the club can show up at their weekly Thursday night meetings during the summer months, which take place at 7 p.m. at Staples in Cold Lake.
The club's growing popularity is evident, with events often attracting 60, 70, or even 80 cars. And it's not just locals who attend.
“We get people from Elk Point, Bonnyville, and all over Lakeland,” Williams said. “It brings car owners and enthusiasts together and gives us a chance to hang out with our fellow enthusiasts. And it also gets the community excited about seeing some hot rods and muscle cars and antiques that are driving around... it's been a big part of our life for a long time.”
