By Brandie Gay
Families and car enthusiasts gathered at the Vandalia Fairgrounds to enjoy the annual Vandalia Car Cruise. The air was filled with the nostalgic tunes of the ’70s and ’80s, setting the perfect backdrop for the event. The Vandalia Fair Board sold 105 pounds of mouth-watering fried fish in a record setting 1.5 hours.
At around 5:45 p.m., the engines roared to life. With their exteriors gleaming under the sun, the spectators watched the convoy of cars lineup at the fairgrounds for their cruise through downtown Vandalia.
The parade of cars, ranging from classic muscle cars to modern sports cars, began their journey through the strip of Vandalia. Spectators along the route cheered and waved as the cars cruised by. The drivers acknowledged the attention by honking and waving back.
Along with cruising, the those participating could also do a selfie scavenger hunt of history to commemorate Vandalia’s 150th anniversary. As the cruisers left the fairgrounds, they were handed the list of items and clues—with 25 spots along with an additional four bonus spots.
The cruisers were instructed to take a photo at each stop with their cellphone. They got bonus points if they and their car were in the photo. They had to return to the fairgrounds before 7:30. The winner would win $100 cash. Points for each stop ranged from 25 points to 500 points.
In the clues ranged from a spot with 25 points noted that it was a place you can drive around the flagpole: The answer—Van-Far High School, to a 500-point clue; where was the original Court House Square designated in the Vandalia plat recorded on July 29, 1897. The, answer: What is now where the YMCA is located.
Tom and Diane Spradling were the winners of the selfie scavenger hunt and the grand prize of $100.
An impressive 127 cars cruised Vandalia’s streets, with about eight to 10 cars that stayed behind.
While cruising, others joined in on the fun giving the spectators a show. Hot rod cars, trucks and motorcycles cruised the strip.
Highlight from the evening were the burnouts at the four-way stop in the center of town. As the convoy approached the intersection, the crowd’s excitement reached a fever pitch, and the children motioned for the cruisers to burn out.
One by one, the drivers revved their engines, and the tires screeched against the pavement, sending plumes of smoke into the air. The smell of burning rubber created a unique and unforgettable atmosphere.
Frank Wallace, Vandalia Fair board member said a guy who flew from Chicago to Springfield, Mo., to purchase an old car. On his drive back to Chicago, he heard about the car cruise and decided to stop in and join the fun.
As the festivities were closing, and the temperature dropped, many cars motored off into the night. A few stayed to enjoy the bonfire, drinks, music and company. With the music came dancing and entertainment. Wallace said that this year’s car cruise was considered a great success and the Vandalia Fair Board is looking forward to doing it again next year and possibly another time during the year.