Summer’s Last Blast features lots of cars, great music

Summer’s Last Blast is set to get underway with activities beginning on Thursday, Aug, 12, and concluding with the cruise itself on Saturday, Aug. 14.

Jim Gryseels, president of the Vernon Street Machines and Classics Association, hosts of Summer’s Last Blast, said he was pleased with the turnout last Saturday night for the Mini Cruise.

“We probably had about 150 or more at the mini-cruise,” he said. “I think everyone had a good time. They really seemed to enjoyed the golf cart drag races, and I think its something we can go forward with.”

Gryseels also said he felt there would be a big turnout for the Cruise itself.

‘‘We’ve had over 300 pre-register, and we are still getting calls,” he said, noting that late comers will still be able to register at the SLB headquarters on Saturday at Roy Orbison Park.

Other activities scheduled during Summer’s Last Blast will include:

–Thursday, Aug. 12, Main Street Car Show, 7:30 p.m. at Roy Orbison mural on Main and Olive; Chamber of Commerce Power Wheels Race, in front of Orbison mural, Main and Olive. Racers must bring their own Power Wheels and wear a helmet. Registration starts at 7:15 p.m., and races at 7:30 p.m. and the Roving Ramblers will perform. and a Roy Orbison Look-A-Like Contest will be held.

–Friday, Aug, 13, Antique Car Exhibit, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Waggoner National Bank;  Red Neck Car Show, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sumner Colley Lumber Co.; Car Show from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Vernon Auto Group Ford House; Swap Meet, Friday and Saturday at Orbison Park; Concert sponsored by the Santa Rosa Belles and featuring Kraig Parker as ZZ Tex, 7 p.m., Wilbarger Auditorium; Burn-Out Contest, 8:30 p.m. on Laurie Street.

–Saturday, Aug. 14, Crime Stoppers Golf Tournament at 8 a.m., Hillcrest Country Club; Show-n-Shine Car Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Orbison Park; Motorcycle Show sponsored by the American Legion, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Orbison Park; Antique Tractor and Engine Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Orbison Park; Summers Last Quack Duck Race, 10:30 a.m., Orbison Park Aquatic Center.

During the Show and Shine, Jesse Day and the Texas Knights will be playing at the gazebo. Day is the son-in-law of local resident Irl Holt.

The 32nd Annual SLB Nostalgic Cruise will begin at 7 p.m.  and continue until 9:30 p.m., on Wilbarger. Remember, all vehicles must be registered in order to cruise.