The 17th edition of the Langley Good Times Cruise-in arrives this Saturday in downtown Langley.
And excitement is building.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the final day for advance registration, a total of 702 entrants had signed up for Cruise-in, with many more expected by the 5 p.m. deadline.
That’s up from the 636 from last year.
After Wednesday, anyone not signed up ahead of time can do on Cruise-in Saturday.
The economic spin-off from Western Canada’s best-attended charity event, with a related car corral on Sunday, Sept. 7, is mighty.
Last year’s Cruise-in generated $53,524, all donated to local charities.
Funds raised from this year’s Cruise-in will go to the Langley Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Langley community support groups, Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association, PuCKS, the Boys & Girls Club, the Douglas Park Elementary Association, and the Legacy Water Search and Recovery Society.
It’s the charity aspect that brings Eric Taylor back as president. This is the second year that the owner of a 1961 Corvair Rampside truck has been heading up the show and shine.
This year is “every bit as busy and stressful†as last year, Taylor said.
But in the end, it’s all worth it, due to all of the charities that benefit from the weekend.
“Really, the reason we do it is for the charities,†Taylor said. “Although I bang my head on the wall, it is worth it for the charities we support.â€
There will be plenty to see and do on Saturday.
The Seattle Cossacks Motorcycle Stunt and Drill Team has said it is practising a new stunt created just for Langley’s event.
And one of the most unique sights is expected to be the Car Pool Deville, a 1969 Cadillac that’s been converted into a mobile hot tub.
Cruise-in board members have been meeting with the RCMP to finalize safety protocols. Taylor explained that if anyone needs to leave early from Saturday’s event, they must contact organizers at the souvenir booth to arrange for volunteers to escort them out of the vehicle display areas.
That information has also been included on the registration form as well.
Taylor noted that the police will crack down on anyone not cooperating. There is the possibility of fines and even vehicle impoundment.
Organizers have shortened the event slightly. The awards will be handed out at 3:30 p.m. with things wrapping after that.
If the forecast holds true, it will be an ideal day for a car show. Sunshine and warm temperatures are expected Sept. 6.
“Things are building. One of the best things in world that could happen is the weatherman on our side,†Taylor said.
While he’s looking forward to Saturday, Taylor is just as eager to be able to relax late Sunday afternoon, with another Cruise-in in the rearview mirror.
“The tension is off as of Sunday afternoon,†Taylor said. On Sunday evening I can be found in my hot tub, with my brain turned off.â€