By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
The North Country Cruisers were active during 2012 and hope to be as energetic and vigorous with their activities again this year.
The Cruisers attended several parades throughout the year in Oakfield, Danforth, Mars Hill, along with Houlton’s July 4th and Light parades. They also helped the Houlton State Agricultural Fair with its classic car show held during the July 4th weekend.
For more of a social time, the Cruisers club members attended “cruise-ins” at Nicky’s Diner in Bangor; the Merrill Park fundraiser (a supper and movie); the United Vets Motorcycle Club’s cruise and supper and of course, the popular fall leaf peeping cruise.
“We made new friends and kept in touch with old friends,” said Tim McAtee, North Country Cruisers event chairman. “Car shows were early social networking and we were able to get several new club members.”
In the fall, the North Country Cruisers hold a “Show ‘n Shine” event at Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum in Littleton.
“Our show was a record-breaker,” said McAtee. “We had the best weather, with a large number of cars and our biggest crowd.”
Along with several suppers and cookouts, the Cruisers sponsored a game at last year’s Moosestomper’s celebration and added a booth at the annual Southern Aroostook Trade Show.
“We are a car club, but we don’t require [anyone] to have a classic car to be a member,” explained McAtee.
The group finished the year with its annual “Cruisin’ For Kids” toy drive.
“It was one of our biggest toy drives, considering the economy,” said McAtee. “We beat last year’s numbers thanks to all the donations of money and toys, as all of our sponsors and friends, made many local children smile.”
The North Country Cruisers meet the first Thursday of each month at Doc’s Place on the North Road. For more information, call Mike at 694-2496 or Raymond at 538-5478.
