MIDDLESBORO — Look out Tri-state residents, the phenomenon known as “Cruisin’ the Crater” is coming to town.
Beginning May 19, “Cruisin the Crater” car show will take place on the third Saturday of each month from May through September. It will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on each of those dates at the Middlesboro Mall parking lot.
This event, sponsored by the Tri-State Cruisers, is in its seventh year.
Anyone that wants to participate can. The event is free for participants and spectators alike. In addition to the car show, there will be a professional DJ playing 50s music to wow the crowd. Once or twice in the season, there professional bands will provide the entertainment.
The car show is set up to allow people to come, relax, listen to music, converse, and look at the cars that will be on display.
“It has been tremendous, especially for the car people,” said Leeman Moyers, member of the Tri-State Cruisers.
Participants come from all around the region to participate in the “Cruisin’ the Crater” event. Last September, four cars in the show were from Ohio. Some people bring cars that cost between $50,000 to $100,000.
On average, the car show brings in up to 300 to 350 cars. During one month last year, according to Moyers, almost 400 cars came to the show.
“Those 300 cars with two people (in them) would bring 600 people into Middlesboro,” said Moyers.
Moyers also stated that between 1,200 to 1,500 people come out each year to spectate and “all those people spend money”.
He also said that the event is all about promoting tourism and the economy in Middlesboro, and the surrounding area as well.
Many businesses along 25E sponsor the event in one way or another, according to Moyers. He said that some restaurants give out coupons for discounted food as well.
He said that another perk will be a sidewalk sale at Belks on the day of the cruise.
Moyers said that the event started seven years ago because some individuals that were interested in cars wanted to do something to help bring cars to the area while still doing something they enjoy. After talking with the mall management, they were able to hold the first event on a small portion of the mall parking lot. Each year the event has grown into what people see now.
He also stated that Bell County Tourism and Middlesboro Mall management helped the organizers shape the car show into the successful event it is today.
Post a Comment
