Classic car cruise

Watch as classic cars cruise through Lopez Village at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12 as part of a newly minted annual event.

Since 2005, Lopez has witnessed an annual event that, together with the 4th of July parade, fireworks, and fun runs/walks, is increasingly anticipated by both vintage car and truck aficionados and non-collectors alike. And the occasion only gets better each year. Last year, the pre-tour vehicle display moved from the Lopez school parking lot to Tower Drive and in front of Paper, Scissors on the Rock.

This year, vehicles will be parked for longer viewing; food and beverages will be available and the access roads will be cordoned off for better, safer viewing, and the tour route will be slightly different.

The first year of this event was initiated by Tex Gieling who still participates in period dresses. And what fun we have had since then. Last year, more than 70 vehicles were on display making it the best show ever! We would love to have you, whether or not you own a classic or vintage vehicle; join us for this annual vehicle event. Come view the incredible collection of vehicles that Lopez hosts! Relive the past for a few hours 50 years after the “Summer of Love.”

You’d be surprised to see what vehicles reside here on Lopez, and other vehicles that come from elsewhere for this occasion. It’s a fun event and brings out everything from Tex Gieling’s 1932 Chrysler Coupe, any one of a number of Dick Pickering’s fleet of vehicles, and then there are the Alfa Romeos, MGs, Jags, model Ts and As, a Mercedes 190 SL convertible and more and more and more. Also note that an increasing number of vehicles are coming from the other islands and “America.”

Show up with your antique, unique or unusual vehicle on Saturday, Aug. 12, in the Lopez Village. Cars will park on Tower Drive, Eads Lane and in front of Paper Scissors on the Rock. You can watch the parade of vehicles as we leave the village around 12:30 p.m., circle the village and then drive up Lopez Road to Fisherman Bay Road and turn on Center Road to the School. From there we go to 121 Coffelt Drive for a picnic lunch. For more information, contact Helen Cosgrove at (360)468-3624 or helco@rockislanc.com or Ian Lange at (360)468-4023 or ianlange@rockisland.com. We hope you can join us for this wonderful event for a fun time.