By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
HOULTON — Key Bank parking lot. McDonald’s parking lot. Do any of these places conjure up memories? For some readers, it just brought a smile to their face, as they recall their younger nights in Houlton. To recapture a bit of nostalgia, Tim Hortons will be the site for another summer of Cruise Night.
Cruise Night is just a “grown up” name for finding a central place to gather and socialize, much like everyone did in high school.
Cruise Night will be held each Friday night from 6-9 and each person can ask for the Cruise Night special at Tim Hortons. The activity will be held each week weather permitting.
“The turnout last summer was excellent,” said Tim McAtee, organizer of the Cruise Night. “The parking lot was filled most of the time.”
Everyone is welcome to the event. With Tim Hortons located just off the four-wheeler trail, ATV and dirt bikers are encouraged to drop by.
“It’s a social evening where people get together and hang around and talk,” McAtee explained.
McAtee noted a few regulars with antique cars would more than likely be at the Cruise Night activity, but this is not a North Country Cruisers event and no specialty car is needed.
Cruise Night is modeled after the gatherings held in the late 1980s at Nicky’s in Bangor, which drew about 175 cars at one time.
“At Nicky’s, Cruise Night filled the dooryard,” said McAtee. “If we have a dozen or so people gather, we will be very happy.”
Cruise Night will run each Friday in June and continue until the weather dampens the fun toward the fall.
“Hopefully, it will be something people drive by and see that draws them in,” said McAtee. “It’s a nice spot and a special will be offered.”
For more information or to see if the event is still on, call Tim Hortons at 532-0100.
