The Good Times Cruise-In has come and gone for another year, but Sandy Dunkley plans to keep the good times rolling by building on the massive car show's success.
To do that, the Langley woman has organized a 1960s-style evening of dancing, classic cars and old movies.
It all happens at the Twilight Drive-In on Sunday, Sept. 27.
The event will be the first annual Ron Dunkley Memorial Society’s 'Happy Days Are Here Again' fundraiser, in memory of her late son.
Dunkley has rented the Aldergrove drive-in in hopes of bringing back those ‘happy days’ for one memorable evening.
Proceeds will support the Ambulance Paramedics of B.C., with proceeds going to the Honour House, a home away from home, located in New Westminster, for all emergency services personnel, veterans and their families to use — free of charge — while they travel to receive medical care.
The night will begin with a sock hop and dance contest, while the young and young at heart jive, twist and stroll to the classic rock of Liquid Courage.
Jim McGregor will emcee the evening.
Dunkley has rented two huge tents in case the weather doesn't co-operate.
Prizes will be awarded for best look-a-likes of Fonzie, James Dean and Elvis as well as for best car.
Dunkley will bring her own ’59 Ford Fairlane to the event.
Following the dance in the parking lot, two movies will be played: Back To the Beach, featuring Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello, followed by Rebel Without a Cause, featuring James Dean, Natalie Wood and Sal Mineo.
A ’60s-style concession will be open to serve burgers, fries, sodas and popcorn — all of it included in the ticket price.
“Ronny was a huge ’50s/’60s music fan. He had the whole Beach Boy collection of music,” said Dunkley of her son, who died in a Seattle hospital in January 2011, two months after being hit by a train. He was 34.
He was a full-time firefighter with the Langley City Fire Rescue.
Sandy has since created the Ron Dunkley Memorial Society, a charitable foundation which raises funds for a number of causes.
“Ronny would love this event. I just feel like he’ll be there, too. It’s just an all-around fun thing to be a part of,” she said.
“Ron also loved Happy Days, and doo-wop music.”
"With the world the way it is these days, it's nice to have one night where things are fun and simple, like the good ol' days," she said.
Tickets are now available for $50 for a car and two people, or $100 for car with four people. Single person at the gate is $25.
The ticket includes theatre admission, movies, sock hop, concession gift certificate, door prizes.
Tickets can also be purchased at PastTimes, ABC Freedom Arts, at the Langley Times office — 20258 Fraser Hwy. — and through Dunkley at 604-866-2873.
For more information go to the Ron Dunkley Memorial Society website: rd-ms.com