Third annual All Wheels Cruise-In
Published 3:48 pm Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Several self proclaimed "old car guys" and former Brantley classmates, enjoyed the car show and reminiscing about days gone by. Pictured (left to right) Jerry Lee Williamson, Runt Kennedy, and Edwin Mitchell. Photo by Haley Mitchell Godwin
The event, hosted by the Bad Boys of Brantley car club, received vital support from their sister clubs Crenshaw Kool Ridz and Andalusia Classics and Street Rods. Photo by Haley Mitchell Godwin
Phoyo submitted.
An impressive lineup of nearly 90 cars and around 20 motorcycles also adorned the venue, creating a colorful display that captivated the eye. Photo submitted.
A variety of vendors were on-site, offering arts and crafts, food, clothing, homemade food products, woodwork,toys, home décor and more. Photo by Haley Mitchell Godwin
By Haley Mitchell Godwin
Car enthusiasts and community members gathered behind Brantley School on Aug. 19 for the third annual All Wheels Cruise-In car show. The event came alive with the roar of engines and the gleam of chrome around 8 a.m., showcasing a stunning array of vehicles, from classic cars to motorcycles.
The funds raised from the event totaled to just over $2,000.00 and will be donated to Brantley School to aid its educational initiative.
The festivities commenced with an opening ceremony that featured a heartfelt prayer and a rendition of the national anthem. Underneath the backdrop of clear skies and warm sunshine, attendees were treated to a diverse collection of automobiles representing various years, shapes, sizes, makes and models.
An impressive lineup of nearly 90 cars and around 20 motorcycles also adorned the venue, creating a colorful display that captivated the eye.
Larry Johnson, the event organizer, expressed his satisfaction at being able to support the school and shared his pride in the remarkable turnout.
“There were a whole lot more people at the show compared to the first two and I am glad we were able to donate $,2000.00 to the school like we did last year,” Johnson said. “We had a few more expenses this year like the rental of porta potties and we also purchased medallions for everyone that entered the car show, but those things were well worth it. The medallions, engraved with ‘Bad Boys of Brantley Cruise In,’ serve as a keepsake and a conversation starter. I hope that folks will wear their medallions to other car shows or hang them on their rearview mirror so we can spread the word about next year’s show and top the amount of money we raised this year.”
“The sight of the community coming together like this was great and I’m truly delighted that we could contribute to the needs of the school. Thank you to everyone that came out and thank you to all of the vendors.” Johnson added.
The event, hosted by the Bad Boys of Brantley car club, received vital support from their sister clubs Crenshaw Kool Ridz and Andalusia Classics and Street Rods. Vendors added another layer of charm to the event, offering a diverse array of products ranging from candles, lotions and art pieces to clothing, home decor, homemade jams and jellies, jewelry and more. Throughout the five-hour extravaganza, music provided a lively backdrop, while attendees had the chance to win door prizes and participate in a 50/50 drawing where half of the earnings were dedicated to the winner, and the other half enriched the school’s donation fund.
Food enthusiasts were equally catered to, with an array of options including fried mullet plates, fried catfish plates, homemade chicken salad plates, sausage dogs, hamburgers, hotdogs, barbecue, popcorn, fresh boiled peanuts and more.
Among the attendees were travelers Will Veenstra from Canterbury, New Hampshire, and Annasarra Kofina from Greece. Enroute to Grinnell College in Iowa after a vacation in south Florida, they stumbled upon the car show by chance last year and decided to make the annual car show part of their summer vacation again this year. Veenstra, a self-professed car aficionado, reminisced about his time at Reed Family Automotive, where his affinity for antique and vintage cars was cultivated.
“One of my fondest memories was working on a 1952 Cadillac Coupe Deville,” Veenstra said. “To find a similar model here today was a treat. It is events like this that make small town life great and I wish the small town I grew up in would host things like this.”
The annual Brantley All Wheels Cruise-In car show has become a staple in the community, set to take place every third Saturday in August. Plans are already in motion for the 2024 show, promising another year of camaraderie, stunning automobiles and charitable contributions. For additional information about the event, interested parties are encouraged to contact Larry Johnson at (334) 429-1688.
