It was a picture-perfect Saturday for the recent Highland Car Cruise.
Hosted by the Highland Main Street Board, in conjunction with the Highland Redevelopment Commission, the 5th annual event found hundreds of car enthusiasts on both sides of the fence — both participants and visitors.
“We always have a good turnout,” said Lance Ryskamp, Highland Redvelopment assistant. “I believe the Car Cruise remains popular because it is an event for the whole family, who can spend an afternoon outside looking at incredible classic cars and enjoying all that Downtown Highland has to offer.”
Indeed, the Addison family of Highland just moved to northwest Indiana last month, and the cruise gave them the opportunity to check out their new town.
“We just had pizza for lunch and my wife shopped at a second-hand store next door to the restaurant,” Jim Addison said. “Now were checking out all the old cars — this downtown has such a ‘homey’ feel.”
Under the welcome tent, the Thunder Road organization displayed the 20 plaques that would be awarded from the pool of unique and colorful old cars lined up on Highland’s Highway Avenue.
“We have 119 pre-registered, but there’s always some last minute entries,” said TR employee Judy Wengren.
One of the more distinctive entries was a bright blue 1936 Chevrolet exhibited by Micheal Machielson of Demotte.
“I began rebuilding this in 1990,” he told visitors. “It took a long time, but it was a labor of love.”
Although some of the car owners farmed out the remodeling/rebuilding tasks to professionals, many did the work themselves.
Carlos Tamez of Homewood, Ill., worked laboriously on his 1998 Ford 150 for three years.
While stopping at his auto, many visitors called the end result, “amazing”
With doors that swing out like a “Back to the Future” car, and a paint job that includes colorful art, the entry drew crowds continually during the afternoon.
“This car (remodeling) is incredible,” said Pauly King of Hammond, as he took a picture of his family by the auto. “Even the wheels are detailed — each one represents a branch of the U. S. armed forces.”
Brad Fuller of Highland attends at least a dozen Car Cruises each summer. He goes for many reasons.
“It’s interesting to see what’s been done with these old cars,” he said.” I’m currently remodeling a 1962 Chevrolet Bel Aire and I usually get a few ideas for myself. And talking with the owners gives me a lot of info about where to get parts.”
Car Cruises can serve many purposes for many people, according to Lyle Lettinger, of Calumet City, Ill.
“This brings back so many memories, like when I was a teenager,” he said, as he looked at a 1960s Chevrolet. “Back then, we had to have a job to pay for our gas and insurance. But it was worth it. That was a special time in my life.”
It wasn’t just the adults who thought that old car renovations were an admirable hobby
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“I sure hope this car wins something, it’s so cool,” said Kyle Parker, 14, of Lansing, Ill., as checked out Robert Dereski’s 1978 Buick Electra. “I have an uncle that is starting to rebuild an old car and he asked me to help him. I will, and someday I’ll have my own to work on.”
