Thursday, September 26, 2024
For nearly four decades, the Cruzin Cruzers car show has become a staple gathering for car enthusiasts and the entire community of Gatesville.
Wayne Martin reflects on how the car show has grown since he founded it with his friend, Terry Schmalreide, in the 1980s. After traveling to different car shows together, they wanted to see if they could bring a similar group to Gatesville.
“In the last part of ’85, Terry and I decided we're just going to get a bunch of people together and see if we could have a little cruise in down at Walmart,” Wayne said.
When 25 to 30 cars showed up at Gatesville’s Walmart, Wayne saw an opportunity to bring a bigger car show and car club to the community.
“We were going along and having a pretty good day and everything, and I looked at Terry and I told him, ‘I think we need to have our own car show,’” Wayne said. “I think we can make our own car show work. And he looked at me and he said, ‘are you crazy?’ I don't think we can do this. That’s a lot of work.”
With the help of Wayne’s roommate and Terry’s wife, the two friends spent the rest of 1985 raising money and making plans to open their first car show.
In September of 1986, the first Cruzin Cruzers car show was held at Faunt Le Roy Park with 22 car entries. Now, the annual show receives 200 plus cars per year at the courthouse square every September. In 2019, the Cruzin Cruzers moved from Faunt Le Roy Park to the square due to needing more space.
“It's really amazing how far it's gone; it really is,” Wayne said.
This year’s event, which takes place on Sept. 21, includes food, vendors, music, and more.
Lavinia Shelton, who helps organize the Cruzin Cruzers event, explains how the show brings in a variety of visitors and locals, whether they frequently attend car shows or not.
“It’s a lot of fun. People congregate because they go from one car to the club to the other or show to the other, and so they meet each other, and we all get together and visit,” Lavina said. “We've made several friends over the years just by going to different shows.”
The car show accepts cars of all makes and models – from classic to brand new. The oldest car the club members said they have seen is a Ford Model T from the 1920s.
“If you can drive it off the parking lot with paper tag on it, bring it,” Wayne said.
The show receives entries from all over Texas - and even other parts of the country. Lavinia shared that a couple once drove all the way from California in a vintage car to enter the show.
“They had been here before and moved to California, and somehow I got to them, and they drove all the way over here from California in that car,” she said.
Since its start in 1986, the money raised from the show always goes back to the club to help prepare for next year. With the upcoming 40th anniversary, the club members are already planning ahead.
“By the time we finish this show, we're starting on the next show,” Lavinia said.
The car show also raises money for scholarships for students pursuing trade school or careers in the automobile industry. Lavinia said members raise the money through a silent auction and a raffle held at the show. The tip jar at the concession stand also goes into the scholarship funds.
Lavina explains that the students apply for the scholarship. “They have to write a little deal about themselves and what they're going to do, and some of it's heartbreaking, because some of these kids don't have much,” she said.
Some of the participants also donate money when they enter the show, she adds. This year, they have already raised around $300 from donations.
Cruzin Cruzers gives out 65 award plaques and a trophy for the ‘Best of Show,’ which are determined by judges from the club. While ‘Best of Show’ is the top award, the club also hands out other awards such as ‘Ladies Choice’ and ‘Club Choice.’
“The best of show will stand out,” said Annette Eary, a long-time member of Cruzin Cruzers. “Of all the vehicles, you will know. By walking around, you will know what is best of show.”
Annette said the largest number of cars that she remembers entering the show was around 304 when the show was still held in the park.
Cruzin Cruzers appreciates the community of Gatesville and all of the support they give to the show, Lavinia adds.
“We just want everybody to have a good time,” she said.
Wayne said the Cruzin Cruzers’ 21 club members are what makes the show special every year.
“Everybody gets along. We’ve got a hell of a club,” he said.
While the deadline for pre-registration ended on September 1, those who are interested in showcasing their car can still register in-person on the day of the show for $30.
The Cruzin Cruzers car show will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the courthouse square.
For information about joining the car club or the show, visit the Cruzin Cruzers website at cruzincruzers.com, or email the car club at cruzincruzers@yahoo.com.
