Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Justin Hunter
The Central Alabama Rodders Society (C.A.R.S.), in partnership with Manchester Auto Parts, will host the annual Cruising on the Square event this Saturday, October 18, in downtown Jasper. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with registration open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Admission and registration are free. The show will include cash drawings throughout the day, a money tree, and several $500 prizes. Live music will be provided by The Macabillies.
C.A.R.S. is made up of local car enthusiasts who sought to create a family-friendly event that celebrates their hobby and supports the community.
“We started this about 18 years ago,” says member Jimmy Robinson. “It’s just a bunch of old car guys who got together after going to shows all over the country. The biggest thing we’ve got going for us is that we don’t charge an entry fee. We just want to bring the hobby to Jasper.”
The group operates with help from numerous local sponsors, including: Jasper Main Street, Senator Matt Woods, Metal Central, Baptist Health – Walker Hospital, Bank of Walker County, the City of Jasper, Artec Tractor, Bill Penney Toyota, Blackston Associates, Inc., Bolton Garage, Booger’s Towing, Carl Cannon Chevrolet Buick GMC, Collins-Burke Funeral Home, Cunningham Industrial Supply, Delta Transfer, Drummond Company, Inc., Dr. Emily Williams, Friendly Auto Sales, Gabby’s Restaurant, Jasper Honda, Jasper Industrial Maintenance Supply, Joey’s Plumbing, M&M Restoration, North Country CDJR of Jasper, North Country Ford of Jasper, Storage For Less, and Warehouse 319.
Sponsor support allows C.A.R.S. to offer prizes and fund community contributions each year.
Robinson said the event is focused on community, not competition.
“Our members aren’t eligible to win anything,” he says. “We just want to give back and help support local businesses downtown.”
During the event, attendees can purchase 50/50 tickets. Half the proceeds go to the winning ticket holder, and the other half is added to a fund that benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama.
This year’s show will be held in memory of longtime member Jerry Pate, one of the group’s original members who passed away last year. Two other community members, David O’Mary and Marlon Wakefield, will also be recognized with memorial plaques.
“Whenever someone in the car community passes away – whether they were a club member or not – we do what’s called a ‘fallen rider’ recognition,” Robinson says. “We present their family with a plaque and honor their memory publicly.”
Robinson and other organizers expect a strong turnout for this year’s event.
“It’s really a community effort,” he says. “Everyone comes together to make it happen. If the weather cooperates, we usually have 400 to 500 cars turn out, and we hope the community will come out and enjoy the day with us.”
For more information about C.A.R.S. and Cruising on the Square, contact Glenn Ferguson (205-899-0222), Bob Jent (205-275-7881), or Jimmy Robinson (205-385-3331). WL
