Every year in July, the CNAC (Central Nebraska Auto Club) encourages anyone who wants to relive the memories of the “Good Ole Days” along with the love of the classic cars to come and enjoy in the fun. The event “Cruise Nite” is a four day event. Customarily, events are held the third weekend in July (Wednesday thru Sunday.) Cruise Nite begins Wednesday evening with a Classic Car Tour of area Assisted Living & Nursing Homes. Started in 2011, this was a HUGE hit, and added to the annual festivities. This Kickoff event is a “Come as you are” and share your love of classic automobiles with our friends and loved ones.
Thursday evening begins with a get-together BBQ and Show & Shine sponsored by Midway Chevrolet and the Kearney Area Children’s Museum. A concert by Billie McGuigan with “Rock Legends”, a 6 piece live band at The Merryman Performing Arts Center completes the evening.
Friday a kick-off BBQ at the Great Platte River Road Archway with oldies music and food and fun starts the festivities. Later in the evening a classic & collectible car auction is held with Rusty Rhynalds, auctioneer at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds.
The fun continues on Saturday morning with the registration of hundreds of classic vehicles that are parked on “The Bricks” in downtown Kearney for all to get up close with. A “LIVE” concert featuring local cover bands, and groups perform all types of classic music all day long at the MONA -Museum of Nebraska Art. Everyone in the surrounding area marks their calendar for this special Saturday to come and see the Show & Shine. Later, when it cools off, a Cruise Nite parade on “The Bricks” is featured. The streets are filled with classic cars and countless spectators taking in the parade.
The Cruise Nite weekend winds down on Sunday with the Hot Rod Reunion/Drag Races at the Kearney Raceway Park.
Behind the entire event is a philanthropic desire is to raise money for numerous charities in the Kearney Area. Among the charities that have benefited from Cruise Nite are: Buffalo County Red Cross, Salvation Army, United Way, Flight for Hero’s, Make A Wish Foundation, Goodfellows, Jubilee Center, City of Kearney Police Department and scholarship for students in Automotive Tech.
Over the years Cruise Nite has showcased Model A & Model T classics from the turn of the century through the 20′s, 30′s, 40′s and countless cars from the 1950’s. You’ll see Chevrolet, Ford, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Plymouth, Studebaker, Rambler, AMC, Mercury, Lincoln, Javelins, Mercedes, Austin Healey, and of course many Thunderbird’s and Corvettes, plus many more makes and models.
More information is available at http://www.cruisenite.org
