Cruise-in a roaring success

MEXICO -- After Thursday's success, there's no doubt that the cruise-in will be returning for a second time next May.

The first annual Mexico Firemen's Relief Association Cruise-In was a roaring success, with more than 100 classic vehicles on display behind the town hall. Add in terrific weather with a large crowd and you had an event that was larger than anyone envisioned.

Less than an hour into the three-hour event, Disc jockey Dan Richard, who added to the atmosphere by playing "Golden Oldies" music from the town gazebo, announced, "We're out of food! But more is coming."

The association was depending on food sales from a cookout to help the Mexico Fire Department buy a six-wheel all-terrain vehicle for remote rescues. But the amount of food they had for volunteers to prepare simply wasn't enough.

Enter Jim Naples, owner of Naples Packing, who had a cherry red classic car of his own at the event. He quickly responded by rustling up more meats for the hungry spectators.

Association member Jamee Theriault noted that the cruise-in brought in concession sales that topped an estimated $800. That puts the total raised to more than $6,000 towards their goal of $10,000.

Pitching the idea were Frank Anastasio and Tim Pingree, members of the Tired Iron Cruizers Car Club. They attend other cruise-in events, including one in Berlin, NH, which closes down the main street and holds a street dance during their event. Credit was given to Anastasio, who promoted the cruise-in here to every place he could think of, including those attending other cruise-ins.

Anastasio, who was all smiles in amazement of the turnout (he was expecting between 60 and 70 classic cars), said there's no doubt about having this event again, which was concurred by the association. The plan is for the cruise-in to take place every year on the fourth Thursday in May.

It will likely be held again behind the town hall, but if it gets much larger, consideration might be given to holding it in a larger facility, such as the Mexico Rec Park.

Among those enjoying looking at the classic cars, hot rods and antiques were residents of the Victorian Villa Nursing Home of Canton.