‘Cruzin’ to Colby’ lets cars shine for charity
Published 4:06 pm Thursday, May 22, 2008
Memorial Day fun will come in the form of beautified cars this weekend as Everett’s ninth annual Cruzin’ to Colby takes over parts of Hewitt and Colby avenues.
“Our club is charity-minded, and that’s why we do this,” said Lonnie Meadows, vice president of the sponsoring group, Seattle Rod-Tiques. This year’s Cruzin’ to Colby proceeds will go to Hospice of Snohomish County, Camp Fire USA of Snohomish County, and Children’s Burn Recovery Foundation.
The other motivation behind “Cruzin’” is simply to let the public have fun, he said.
“Back in the 1960s and ’70s, that’s what kids used to do with cars, was cruise along Colby, so that’s what we wanted to do with this event. It’s nice to go ‘back in the day.’”
During the first three years, the event was only a car show, but organizers later decided that “we wanted to do more for the people who come to the show,” Meadows said.
“At first, we offered the dance first for those who enter their cars, and then we added it for the public, and made it so it would benefit Hospice. It’s $5 for the public, and it’s a nice, clean environment for the family to be entertained. There’s a contest at the dance for young kids.”
The public dance, from 7 to 11 p.m. Sunday, takes place in the Comcast Arena at Everett Events Center ballroom at 2000 Hewitt Ave.
For the public’s further entertainment during Monday’s car show, there will be “Illusions of Elvis” performances. And The Wayback Machine, the group also featured at Sunday’s dance, will play 1960s to ’80s music between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Meadows, who has been involved with “Cruzin’” for each of its nine years, focused his selection of highlights on the overall picture, rather than mentioning any particular stand-out cars ot fun moments.
“It’s all weather-related,” he explained. “We always have a pretty good car turnout, even in years of bad weather, but it’s more memorable and fun for everyone if we have good weather.”
Toward that end, organizers this year were prepared to accept 400 vehicles for Sunday’s “Controlled Cruise” along Colby, and as many as 800 for Monday’s Show ‘N’ Shine.
Meadows said he’s not sure whether the event will produce exactly those large numbers, but expects it to be close, especially if the weather cooperates.
Cruzin’ to Colby
3 to 6:30 p.m. “cruise,” 7 to 11 p.m. dance, both Sunday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Show ‘N’ Shine Monday, Colby Avenue, from Pacific to Everett avenues, and Hewitt, from Hoyt to Oakes; Everett. Shows free, dance $5, www.cruzintocolby.com.
