Cruisin’ through summer
Nothing looks and sounds like summer more than a shined-up, windows-down, hair-in-the-wind classic car cruising. And Markham and Stouffville Cruisers Car Club has the formula down to a “T, or maybe that’s a T-Bird.
The club, a non-profit, volunteer-run organization not only holds car restoration and shows close to its heart, but also routinely donates funds to local charity organizations and even provides an annual scholarship to promising young students who will pursue careers in the automotive sector.
Cruisers president Terry Sutton says one of the reasons she belongs to the club is that it allows her to combine interests.
She relates that “as a retired nurse, volunteering as the president of the Markham Stouffville Cruisers gave me the opportunity to marry my car hobby to my passion for helping others. The dedication of the current executive team, combined with the support of our membership, has resulted in our club becoming recognized as a Community Service Group…a rare distinction for a car club.”
Sutton goes on to name a few of the supported charities, including Jumpstart, 360kids, Yellow Brick House, My MS Family, as well as supporting food banks and school awards.
Stouffville Ward One Councillor Hugo Kroon, who is also a member, concurs that “being a good community partner” is a key motivator for him and also cites the camaraderie. It’s great to be part of an organization with people who share the same interests, but adds with a laugh, “classic cars are cool!”
At the core, the Cruisers are a social community of car enthusiasts who are happy to share their love with anyone who has ever dreamed of hitting the road in classic style. And you don’t need a million-dollar car to take part and enjoy the vibe. You don’t even have to have a car at all. Every Wednesday night, the Markham Village Community Centre parking lot (Highway #7 and Markham Rd.) is transformed into a classic car showroom from 5:30 to 8:30 pm through September 16.
You can cruise through the assembly of stripped-down, torqued-up, tricked-out and meticulously maintained autos from every era. While the Wednesday night event serves as a regular social encounter for summer worshipers, the weekly event will culminate in the huge season-end Motofest on Sept. 12 at Memorial Park in Stouffville.
Motofest will collect cars from all over the province, but also include an entertainment stage, food trucks, door prizes and a fun-filled family environment- and of course hot cars, from 9 am to 3 pm. The event will send proceeds to the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation.
Get more information on the Markham Stouffville Cruisers Car Club at markhamstouffville cruisers.com