Area towns offer opportunities to see, show off classic vehicles

By Bob Campbell ~ Southeast Missourian

Unlike the present day, when all cars seem to look alike, in days past one could easily be discerned from another. Those distinctive styles still charm at events such as the cruise-ins held throughout Southeast Missouri and elsewhere.

Perryville, Missouri, Cruise-Ins take place around the courthouse square from 5 to 11 p.m. the first Saturday of each month, April through October. In Chaffee, a Cruise-In is held the first Friday of each month on the first block of West Yoakum Avenue. And Jackson hosts Cruisin' Uptown Jackson the second Saturday of each month through October.

In May, Perryville's second Cruise-In drew more than 100 cars, pickups, Jeeps and motorcycles. In its first year, the series is achieving its goals of helping downtown businesses and giving Perryville a higher regional profile, said event chairman Laddie Garris, event chairman with the Perryville Downtown Revitalization Committee.

Speaking by the downtown gazebo May 3 with the lively background of a bluegrass band warming up and the rumble of hotrods trundling around the downtown square, Garris said the event's informality is an asset because many participants prefer to come and go when they please rather than wait around for judging and prizes. Part of the proceeds are benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

Glen Brewster, of St. Mary, leans inside his 1930 Model A Ford as he displays it during the monthly Cruise In on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at the square in downtown Perryville. (AARON EISENHAUER)

Perryville Cruise-Ins are planned for June 7, July 5, Aug. 2, Sept. 6 and Oct. 4, and there is no registration or other requirement except to enjoy the ambience. Garris said people should consider an invitation to fall in line in Perryville's traditional "drag" around the square, on St. Joseph Street "to the gas station and back around," at 9 p.m.

"People sit and watch the cars go by and hear the sounds. A guy came from St. Louis today with a 2014 Camaro ZL1, and another drove from Farmington in a 1989 Fox Body Mustang. We also have cars from the 1920s to the '60s from Chaffee, Jackson and Cape Girardeau," Garris said, adding, "It should bring in about 1,000 people each time."

Standing by his 1966 red and black MG MGB convertible, Rick Roberts of Jackson said he drives the car a couple of times a week to keep it in good running condition but otherwise does not take it on the road except to the occasional area car show.

"I have done a lot of work to it since I bought it about 10 years ago," Roberts said. "A guy in Sikeston did the black top and interior."

Glen Brewster of St. Mary, Missouri, and his son, Lloyd, had rolled up in their highly customized cimarron red 1930 Ford Model A with its power windows, automatic transmission, racing differential and powerful 350-cubic-inch Chevrolet engine. "It's a nice little hot rod, something different," Glen Brewster said.

Car lovers gather for Cruisin’ Uptown Jackson on May 10. (Fred Lynch)

"Anybody can buy a new car," Brewster said.

Showing his light metallic gold 1995 Jeep Wrangler, Nathan Hudson of Perryville said he does not take the eye-catching vehicle to work in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, but saves it for family excursions. "It's nice to drive around town in," Hudson said.

"The Cruise-Ins are good, clean, family-oriented entertainment," he said, adding that he planned join the 9 p.m. drag.

The fifth annual Cruisin' Uptown Jackson has been underway since April in Jackson, where the next such event is scheduled for June 14 on the city square.

Jerry Burgess, chairman of Mayor Barbara Lohr's Community Outreach Board cruise-in committee, said numerous merchants and restaurants are giving door prices to the participants, who have been bringing 125 to 135 vehicles each time.

More Cruisin' Uptown Jacksons will take place July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 13 and Oct. 11.

"It's held in association with the River City Rodders, and the Hot Rod Nights disc jockeys from West Frankfort, Illinois, Pam and Louie Hottes, will be here to play music and give their You Caught My Eye Award," Burgess said, adding that there is no registration of cars or other awards.