They used to call Everett Milltown. Now it’s a Navy town.
But for several decades in the middle of the past century, Everett was cruising town.
America’s love affair with the car reigned supreme on Colby Avenue from the 1940s into the ’80s, when cruising Colby Avenue was the place to be.
This weekend the city goes back in time at Cruzin’ to Colby, a three-day celebration of cool cars, hot rods and the music and culture of mid-20th century America.
This is the fifth year for Cruzin’ to Colby, which is sponsored by the Seattle Rod-Tiques car club, and the event is bigger than ever, with activities at the Everett Events Center including a concert and car auction.
“Our club has been known for putting on great car shows,” said Lonnie Meadows, the Seattle Rod-Tiques vice president. “We like to entertain.”
Club members have put the pedal to the metal in that department this year by adding an oldies rock ‘n’ roll show on Saturday night and an auction of collectible cars on Monday. Both of these events are at the Everett Events Center.
Cruzin’ to Colby gets going on Saturday night when The Diamonds and Johnny Limbo &The Lugnuts rock the Everett Events Center.
Sunday brings the rumble of tailpipes as the Cruz on Colby runs from 3 to 6:30 p.m. An estimated 400 vehicles, from the chrome-laden cars of the 1950s to the muscle cars of the ’60s, will crawl bumper-to-bumper down Colby Avenue in a controlled cruise.
The cruise is followed by a sock hop from 7 to 10 that night at the Everett Events Center.
On Monday, the cars will be all spit and polished for the Snow ‘n’ Shine car show, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In all, more than 750 classic, custom and collectible cars are expected in Everett for the weekend, Meadows said.
And if the car bug bites, check out the car auction that runs from noon to 5 p.m. Monday at the Events Center. It’s run by Silver’s Collectible Car Auction, a Spokane-based company.
The Seattle Rod-Tiques, whose 50 members come mostly from Snohomish and Skagit counties, has hosted Cruzin’ to Colby every year, adding activities as the event has grown in popularity. It’s now one of the premier car events in the region, and attracts thousands of car fans.
Cruzin’ to Colby is a fund-raiser for various charities. This year’s event benefits Campfire USA of Snohomish County and Hospice Services of Snohomish County.
Michael O’Leary / The Herald
Icons of the cruising era were part of the paint job on one of the cars that returned to Everett last year for the Cruzin’ to Colby car show.
Michael O’Leary / The Herald
Emily Hoover of Mountlake Terrace and Ashley Newcomb of Lake Stevens watch one of the participants in last year’s Cruzin’ to Colby turn the corner at Colby and Hewitt avenues.
The 2003 Cruzin’ to Colby drew throngs of fans to downtown Everett.
Cruzin’ to Colby schedule
Saturday
7 p.m.: An oldies concert featuring music of the 1950s and ’60s performed by The Diamonds and Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts at the Everett Events Center, 2000 Hewitt Ave., Everett. Tickets are $20, on sale at the box office, 866-332-8499, www.everetteventscenter.com.
Sunday
3 to 6:30 p.m.: Controlled cruise along Colby Avenue in downtown Everett.
7 to 11 p.m.: Sock hop at the Everett Events Center ballroom, $5 at the door.
Monday
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Show ‘n’ Shine car show in downtown Everett.
Noon to 5 p.m.: Car auction, Everett Events Center, tickets at the box office.
Information: www.cruzintocolby.com.
Cruzin’ to Colby schedule
Saturday
7 p.m.: An oldies concert featuring music of the 1950s and ’60s performed by The Diamonds and Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts at the Everett Events Center, 2000 Hewitt Ave., Everett. Tickets are $20, on sale at the box office, 866-332-8499, www.everetteventscenter.com.
Sunday
3 to 6:30 p.m.: Controlled cruise along Colby Avenue in downtown Everett.
7 to 11 p.m.: Sock hop at the Everett Events Center ballroom, $5 at the door.
Monday
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Show ‘n’ Shine car show in downtown Everett.
Noon to 5 p.m.: Car auction, Everett Events Center, tickets at the box office.
Information: www.cruzintocolby.com.
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