Members of the Apple Country Auto Club are gearing up to restart their monthly cruise-ins in April with a full season of the events planned this year.
The local car club held several cruise-ins last year at Poole’s Bar-B-Q in East Ellijay, which was a new location then. They will return to the parking lot across Craig Street from Poole’s this year, confirmed Ronnie Prater, Apple Country Auto Club president.
The first cruise-in of the season is Friday, April 8, from 5-8 p.m. They will continue the second Friday of each month until September, Prater confirmed. A holiday season cruise-in will also be held, he noted.
“We are the north Georgia region of the Antique Automobile Club of America, and we aren’t affiliated with any other club, local or national. Our membership has grown, and we’ve got the best group right now that we’ve had in years,” Prater said.
“April through September is the cruise-in season for us. Because of COVID, we got a late start last year and didn’t get started till June. They’ll be April through September from now on.”
Anybody is welcome to stop by and look at the cars on display or bring a car to show, Prater confirmed. Admission is free, and there’s no charge for showing a car. It doesn’t have to be any specific type of car to be shown, Prater noted.
“It’s for all vehicles and anybody who wants to come. We’ll also have a new DJ, Mike Hammonds, who used to work for 96 Rock back in the ‘70s,” he added.
Proceeds from the cruise-ins go toward the nonprofit car club’s year-end charitable donations. A 50/50 raffle drawing is usually held at each event, Prater said.
“It all goes in the pot and, at the end of the year, we distribute it (to) six charities and the auto tech department at the high school,” he added.
In October, the car club will see its biggest annual event and fundraiser, the Apple Classic Car Show, move to a new location, Prater said. Previously held at Ronnie Thompson Ford, the car show will move to the Victory Christian Center this year.
“We really appreciate Ronnie Thompson Ford for accommodating us and for all their help,” Prater said.
The 2022 Apple Classic is scheduled for Saturday, Oct 8. “There will be plenty of spectator parking and parking for trailered cars,” Prater said.