One of the signs that summer is almost here happened tonight in Lockport: Cruise Night!
Now, I’m not a big fan of Hot Rods, or cars in general. Heck, I won’t even change my own oil! But the Cruise Nights are always fun on a number of levels and I usually make a point of visiting them several times a season.
Through the summer months they hold the Cruise Night downtown. The past year or two it has been at Ida Fritz Park, a triangular park bounded by Hawley Street, Park Avenue and West Main Street. If it had a fourth side, it would be Transit Street, but the point of the triangle comes together right there. It used to be further down Main Street, but this is really an ideal place and many people enjoy it every year.
The Cruise Night – called that because it’s a car cruise-in, not anything to do with boats or the Erie Canal – is popular with those who own or just appreciate classic cars, Hot Rods, sports cars or anything auto-related. It’s supported by a couple local car clubs and city organizations.
So, of course, it’s a great time if you like cars, but it’s more than that. It’s a good time just visiting it. There’s always good music, starting with a sound system and DJ – usually Hank Nevins, a local favorite – and a live band, usually also local favorites. Often a 50’s-60’s Rock ‘N Roll theme to go with the Hot Rod theme is de rigeur.
Of course, there is food and refreshments. Tonight featured Hot Dogs and Hamburgers served by the Sunrise Optimists. You can’t go wrong there – inexpensive food and supporting a good cause at the same time. I also saw a Beef on Weck vendor and a soft-serve ice cream truck, but didn’t get to indulge with them. Not bad for the first week.
But the best thing about it is just getting out and running into people you haven’t seen in a while. I got my walking exercise in and met at least 8-10 friends I hadn’t seen for a while.
You just can’t beat good food, good music, good friends and what was the other thing? Oh yeah, there were cool cars there!
Of course, I have photos on the Gallery page.
More information on the cruise nights can be found at the Lockport Cruise Night page.
