Show ‘n Shine cruises in this weekend

By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    The North Country Cruisers are hoping for a impressive turnout of cars, along with a cooperative weather forecast.
    The 13th annual Show ‘n Shine event hosted by the North Country Cruisers will be this weekend, Aug. 25-26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum in Littleton. Admission is free. No pets or alcohol allowed on the premises.
    Last year, the show started under sunny skies that gave way to rain on the final day.
    “We did have a record number of cars to the event on Saturday,” said Tim McAtee, show chairman. “We had around 200 cars. But, Sunday, the count went down with the rain.”
    To kick off the Show ‘n Shine, the North Country Cruisers will host a bonfire at Raymond Carmichael’s residence in Littleton.
    Then on Saturday, the show begins with pre-registration of the classics to  the newer vehicles, followed by car games and a 2 p.m. cruise. According to McAtee, Bill Larson usually sets up a nice “ice cream” cruise from the agricultural museum to Houlton Farms Dairy and back.
    Saturday night, the Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum volunteers will hold a supper from 4:30-6:30 p.m. for a nominal fee. After the supper, another club bonfire will be hosted at the Kenny Smith residence.
    Registration will be held Sunday morning from 9 a.m. to noon for those wanting to join in on the fun. McAtee noted there would be plenty of give-aways. The North Country Cruisers will also have a drawing for a child safety seat, too.
    Vintage and updated vehicles will all find a place to fit in since there are 20 classes of cars and trucks, with three trophies awarded in each class. Some of the different classes are classic, muscle cars, trucks and bikes and under construction.
    Special trophies will be awarded for Participants’ Choice, People’s Choice and Best of Show, along with The President’s Memorial Award and Best Club Attendance award.
    One of the more highlighted events of the weekend will be the Kids Stuff category.
    “We’d like to see more entries for the Kids Stuff,” said McAtee. “It can be anything the kids are interested in such as a soap box derby car or a modified lawn mower.”
    Also for the children, Paula Dahlk will make Pinatas for each day of the show, which should draw a crowd around the grounds.
    The North Country Cruisers will also provide refreshments and for anyone bringing a small toy for the North Country Cruisers toy drive “Cruisin’ For Kids,” the person will receive a free hot dog and drink. The Cruisers will also be selling T-shirts for $10.
    For more information on the Show ‘n Shine, call McAtee at 532-8692.