The Eden Cruise
Three Rivers Chapter of AACA will be hosting the Eden Cruise for the 2nd year!!
With humble beginnings and a big idea the monthly cruise was created to provide a fun atmosphere where everyone could enjoy automobiles of all type as well as help support the local community. The year would not have been possible without the financial support from business sponsors, support of Eden’s tourism department, many dedicated workers and guidance from the Lord. While the rain cancelled the September event, all other cruise dates were blessed with good weather and a good turn out. The excitement from old cars, new cars, modified cars and original cars filled the streets of downtown Washington Street. Event DJ Ronnie Overby provided an atmosphere of the old times with cruising music and car related songs. Local businesses were gracious enough to provide door prizes for cruises which were given away at every cruise. Cars and motorcycles from as far away as Richmond Va. traveled to share in the fun.
While the cruises themselves were fun and enjoyable the best part of the year was being able to give back to the community. Sponsorship dollars from forty three businesses and our main sponsor Tri City Automotive made the financial contributions a possibility. In exchange for their financial support each business was featured in our booklet and recognized at each cruise event. The Eden cruise was proud to present two deserving organizations with a check on February 5th 2011. The Rely For Life group, Anita’s Angels received $1000 to help aid in the research to fight cancer. This group has worked throughout the year to promote awareness and raise money for the American Cancer Society. The Snack Back Pack Program of Douglass Elementary School received a donation of $2,500. Stephanie Moore, the programs representative and organizer as well as Douglass Elementary principle Gary Prytle were pleased to accept the donation on the programs behalf. According to Mrs. Moore the program offers back packs for selected children filled with food for the weekend. The backpacks go home with the children on Friday filled with healthy breakfast, lunch and snack meals. The program has grown due to need, serving as many as 18 students. As a club our goal is restore cars as well as lives in the community. Three Rivers was trilled to be able to present a check to these two organizations.
With remaining proceeds from the 2010 year, the Eden cruise created a scholarship in memory of Mr. Kenneth Harter. Mr. Harter was an auto mechanic teacher at Morehead High school for thirty years. In this thirty years as an educator, Mr. Harter made a great impact on the lives of every student he taught. The Eden Cruise will present a deserving senior high student who plans to pursue a career in the automotive industry with a $2,500 scholarship in May of 2011.
With one successful year completed, the Eden Cruise committee was given the opportunity to relocate the monthly event to the Sonic Drive In. The Sonic Drive In has a rich history with cruise ins and has provided a great atmosphere for some of the largest cruise events in our area. While the streets of downtown offered many nostalgic affects, the business area of Eden; “Highway 14” offers an exciting area of growth and possibilities. The Eden Cruise will continue to provide the same enjoyment as the previous years, and continue hosting the events on the second Saturday of each month May through October. You can expect the same dedication and organization from Three Rivers Chapter to provide a free, family fun event. Following the drawing of the 50/50 tickets a live band will perform at each cruise on the Sonic Drive In grounds. Live music will begin around 8:00pm.
Please join us the second Saturday of each month May through October!
