Southport Magazine

“She’s a little deuce coupe. You don’t know what I got…”

BY: LISA P. STITES

Take a step back in time and see the best of what car manufacturers have been rolling out for the last 100 years at the Cape Fear Cruisers’ 11th Annual Car & Truck Show. The show is scheduled for Saturday, May 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Walmart Parking lot in Southport.

Cape Fear Cruisers President Bill Vann said the show got its start 11 or so years ago when a group of car enthusiasts decided to formally do something together. According the Club’s website, www.cape- fearcruisers.com, the Club’s mission is to “develop and maintain good relationships within the community by offering assistance to local charitable organizations and individuals in need while enjoying the fellowship of other individuals with an interest in collecting, restoring, modifying and owning autos.” The site also has pictures of some of the members’ vehicles, information on becoming a member and the charities the Club helps to support.

The Club includes members from south- eastern Brunswick County; between 65 and 70 members from the Southport, Oak Island, St. James and Boiling Spring Lakes communities are in the Club. Any- one with a vehicle such as a truck from 1926 or a new Corvette or Mustang can join the Club. Competitions are usually for vehicles from 1988 and older though, Vann explained.

But the Cape Fear Cruisers members won’t be competing in this show, except for the people’s choice awards. Club members and friends of the Club will instead serve as hosts and judges, handing out the coveted awards and the first place Best in Show trophy, which comes with a $100 prize and bragging rights, of course.

Award categories for specific makes and models include Best Chevrolet, Best Nova, Best Chevelle, Best Corvette, Best Camaro, Best Pontiac, Best Oldsmobile, Best Thunderbird, Best Mustang, Best Dodge, Best Plymouth and Best Chrysler. Other categories will highlight the best truck, import, and street rod. Awards will also be given for the best vehicle from the 1920s or earlier, best interior, best paint, and best engine. The best Club Car will also be chosen, sort of a people’s choice award.

Vann has a 1956 Ford Victoria and a 1972 Cutlass convertible. He said he usually takes the Ford to shows. “It’s red and white, and it usually gets a lot of attention,” he said.

And while the car enthusiasts love the chance to show off their vehicles, for the Cape Fear Cruisers, this event is also a way to raise money for charity. Proceeds from the show will benefit local charities. Last year, the club raised $1,600 from the event. The Club donated more than $10,000 to charities last year, and has helped support toy drives, breast cancer research and Providence Home, among others.

Last year, the show drew approximately 150 participants, so there will be plenty of classic vehicles to see. There will also be a 50/50 drawing, and the Southport Police Departmentwillbethereandwillraffleoff a men’s and a women’s bicycle and a child car seat. The Southport Fire Department will also have a ladder truck there, as long as it’s not needed elsewhere. There will also be door prizes provided by local busi- ness sponsors. Vann will serve as DJ and announcer.

Setting up the show in the Walmart parking lot means there will be plenty of room for the show and for spectators’ parking. Vann said it’s also convenient for the participants, who don’t mind fitting in a little shopping and grabbing a burger at Eric’s Grille, one of the show’s sponsors.

Registration is open to anyone – all cars and trucks – and costs just $20. Registra- tion begins at 9 a.m. and trophies will be awarded starting at 2 p.m. There will be dash plaques for the first 75 entries, Top 50 Awards, awards for the top three vehicles from 1988 to present and trophies and plaques for the top vehicles from 1988 and prior years.

Vann said the Club’s shows are enjoyed by many. It’s hard to estimate how many people stop by, but he said they always get great feedback.

Shiny chrome, glossy paint, luxurious upholstery, sleek lines, and lots of horsepower — it will all be on display at the Cape Fear Cruisers’ 11th Annual Car & Truck Show on May 7 at the Walmart in Southport.

“We’re a really friendly club,” he said.