The Oakboro Cruise-In & Burnout

Oct 28 Cruise-In

2011-10-26T11:44:00.000-04:00

This is our last big cruise-in for the year. Yes, drivers bring their cars here from Nov - March, but this will be our last burnout for 2011.

Bring your family and come join the fun!

Oakboro's Story

2011-09-29T23:39:00.004-04:00

Did you see the story about our event on UNC-TV? We are very excited to have been chosen to be featured on our statewide public television.

The night the reporter was here, we were also honored by the presence of Maggie "Charlene Darling" Peterson and the Mayberry Tribute Artists. How did we get so lucky? Jeff Branch, who plays the role of "Howard Sprague" in the Tribute group, is from here. He produces a variety of bluegrass shows and one of them included our guests and Rodney "Rodney Darling" Dillard. Maggie and Rodney actually performed on The Andy Griffith Show in the 1960s. Jeff's show actually occured the next day in neighboring Troy, N.C.

Our last burnout of the season will be held in October. In the following months, we'll have smaller cruise-ins where people bring their cars and typically socialize over dinner. Then the burnout and big cruise-in will begin again in April 2012.

If the weather is pretty, we'll have 500 or more cars and thousands of people. So come join us!

Maggie Peterson, the real actress who played the role of Charlene Darling, poses with a fan for a picture.

Remember this old car? The Darling's rode it from the mountains to Mayberry.

Some people can never go long without getting caught!

No rain in Oakboro tonight!

2011-08-26T14:05:00.000-04:00

Yes, there's a car show.
No, there's no rain!

Come bring your car and have some fun!

Around 8 p.m., we'll have a parade featuring two Mayberry squad cars - Otis, Ernst T, Howard and other members of the Mayberry Tribute Artists - along with the real Charlene.

That's right. Maggie Peterson is the actress who played the roll of Charlene Darlin', the gal with the crush on Sheriff Andy Taylor.

Bring your cameras! And, we're holding a fundraiser for the D.A.R.E. program in Montgomery County, where funds have been eliminated for this year. Oakboro's own Jeff Branch is the D.A.R.E. officer there and needs our support.

And be sure to buy a 50/50 ticket. You might go home with some green backs!

Getting Attention!

2011-08-04T22:46:00.000-04:00

Behind the scenes ... Our event is run by a team of highly-dedicated volunteers, some of whom don't even live in Oakboro. But, they love this event. Lately, we've had a rash of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) experts visit our site and try to sell us services to increase the number of people coming to our page. Most of them come from India or somewhere off-shore. We've gotten so many of these people trying to sell us their services that we must be doing something right! Otherwise, how have more than 100 of them, find us?

Something else ... The 50/50 tickets help us send a local student to Stanly Community College to study in the automotive science program. So when you purchase tickets, you're contributing to a scholarship.

August 26 - Special Guests Will Be Here!!!

2011-07-29T12:43:00.000-04:00

Bring your cameras and meet Charlene, Rodney and all the Mayberry Tribute Artists - during the Friday, August 26 cruise-in. We'll have a parade at 8 p.m. and they'll be around for photos, handshakes and autographs. And, you'll see them at the burnout!

You may recall that on The Andy Griffith Show, there was the Darlin' family who came to town from the mountains. There was the dad, Charlene and her brothers. They picked and played and sang. Charlene fell in love with Sheriff Andy Taylor and wanted to marry him.

Well, they'll be in town for a D.A.R.E. benefit the next night, Saturday, August 27, in Troy. But before they get there, we'll have them here at the cruise-in.

Charlene is actually Maggie Peterson and she lives in Las Vegas where she often performs with her husband. She still has a beautiful voice and is planning on singing a couple of numbers for us during her visit.

AND - Maggie owns a red 1964 red VW bug. She would love to sell it. She bought it brand new and drove it to the TV set in Los Angeles when she was working on the show. It has around 370,000 miles on it and is in great shape. No, she isn't bringing it to the cruise-in. She's flying in from Las Vegas where she now lives and often performs with her piano playing husband. She will soon have a Facebook page about her car. She says that Denver Pyle added some silver flower vases on the inside of the doors so she could carry Charlene's mountain flowers. True story!

As we get pics of the car and Maggie, we'll post them!

Congratulations!

2011-06-13T17:04:00.000-04:00

In this day and time when car dealerships have been struggling, we tip our hat to one that has been open for the past 35 years. It's quite an accomplishment, in this economy, to run a business successfully.

We normally don't post advertisements for companies, but we salute this one! Someone there, who obviously attends the Oakboro Cruise-In, sent us the following -

BEN MYNATT CHEVY-CAD-BUICK-GMC is having a Celebration for being in Cabarrus County for 35 years. There will be games for the kids, a live band, hot dogs, home made Ice Cream and a Car show. If you know anyone who would like to show their car, please let them know they will be welcome here. Come help us celebrate and have a big time. June 18th 10:00am-3:00pm.

May Event Cancelled

2011-05-27T17:34:00.000-04:00

Mother Nature isn't being kind to us in Oakboro. She's whipped up storms, thunder, lightnin' and rain in April and May.

We had about 15 cars show up before the second storm blew in here. We're going to try and do this again on Friday, June 24.

Save Driving

2011-05-13T17:29:00.002-04:00

Which insurance companies award safe drivers? Check out this link.

Season Opening Gets a Soaking!

2011-04-22T18:07:00.001-04:00

Someone should write a song just for times like tonight .... "Rain On and Off Again." But that's the way April is here. Hot one day. Chily the next. Pretty and dry - or wet.

We hope you'll plan to join us on May 27 - and have a safe and enjoyable Easter 2011!

April 22, 2011 Starts Burnout Season at the Oakboro Cruise-In

2011-04-13T23:05:00.001-04:00

The Oakboro Cruise-In & Burnout will be held on Friday, April 22.

If the weather is nice, volunteer organizers expect up to 6,000 people who enjoy cars, music, an historic downtown setting and a friendly atmosphere.

The Oakboro Cruise-In & Burnout is in its eighth season, having begun in 2004.

If weather is pretty, cars start arriving after lunch. However, the official hours are 5-9:30 p.m. The burnout will occur at 9 p.m.

Food vendors and souvenir concessions will be set up. Restaurants and retail stores will be open. The public is encouraged to purchase 50/50 tickets. Proceeds go towards the operation and promotion of the event and help provide scholarships for local high school students.

The Cruise-In is held in downtown Oakboro on NC Hwy. 205 between Albemarle and Charlotte. It is one of the largest cruise-ins held in a small North Carolina downtown.

For information, visit the Oakboro Cruise-In on Facebook, email info@oakborocruisein.com, log onto www.OakboroCruiseIn.com or call Jerry Crayton at 704-467-4992.

April 22, 2011

2011-04-12T19:04:00.000-04:00

The burnout will occur!

Winter Season

2011-01-29T20:01:00.000-05:00

We're not as formal with our event in the winter months as we are when temperatures warm up. Typically what happens in from Dec-Feb is that people come and meet over dinner. So if you're driving through town during that time, come on in and warm up with dinner. We're here!

2011

2011-01-29T17:38:00.000-05:00

We are getting geared up for our 2011 season and we'll be posting a lot of information on Facebook too. If you have any suggestions, please share them with us. thank you!

What's New for October's Cruise-In ...

2010-10-11T20:19:00.000-04:00

Latter Rain is a well-known local band which has played at the Oakboro Music Hall. We're very excited about them performing on Oct. 22. Their stage will be set up on front of Sun Trust Bank. They play a variety of Christian music.

We expect we'll have a DJ over by Mom's and Pop's Antique Store too. Good dancing music ...

So come and have some fun, eat some of our wonderful locally-made popsicles and get an Oakboro Cruise-In shirt. They're in a variety of sizes and colors. Start your Christmas shopping early at The Art Shop.

Oh, by the way, we won't be having a burnout this month. It's no reflection upon the crazy tractor driver from September - we just won't have the level of security that night like we normally do. We want to make sure everyone who attends our event is safe.

But the burnout will return!

Chill Off Tonight in Oakboro

2010-06-25T10:41:00.000-04:00

Did you know popsicles are made right here in Oakboro? They are - and they're made from fruit. Oh, they're really good! $1 each ... great way to cool down on such a hot night!

The Burnout will start at 9 p.m. We anticipate cars will start arriving a little early because it's just so darned pretty today! Great photo ops!

And, we've already started our 10-day July 4th Celebration -- so this will be an extra-special night.

What will the weather be?

2010-05-28T03:06:00.002-04:00

According to Future Weather on WGHP in High Point, there is a chance we'll get a little rain but it will be out of here by 5 p.m. But rain or shine, we'll have a fun time tonight in downtown Oakboro! This forecast comes from WCNC in Charlotte.... But if we do get rain on Saturday, that's a great time to treat your yard to get rid of ticks and fleas. Car Gal just found a tick yesterday after treating her yard in March. Go to your local garden supply store for supplies.

Rock Hudson and The DeSoto

2010-05-21T01:05:00.002-04:00

"Giddy Up 409"

2010-05-21T00:20:00.001-04:00

April 2010 Pics

2010-04-28T22:34:00.010-04:00

Sun's Shining -- BURNOUT's TONIGHT!!!!!

2010-04-23T15:08:00.001-04:00

The sun has popped out and cars are glistening ... Elvis is tuning up ... we're getting ready to have a party .. and the first burnout of 2010.

So hop in your car, bring some friends and come to Oakboro!

Bring your camera, some cash for food - and some cash for 50/50 tickets. If you win, you'll take home half the pot and the rest goes to not only produce this event, but also help pay for a scholarship to send a local student to Stanly Community College's automobile technology program.

Have fun ... Help a student!

March Cruise-In - Rain or Shine!

2010-03-25T21:22:00.001-04:00

Yep, we're having it - so drive your car here and show it off. Ok, the forecast does have rain in it, but we're hoping it doesn't rain in Oakboro from 3-9 p.m.

Gotta great DJ! Baxter is a super DJ and has fun with the crowd. 50/50 tickets - someone can go home with cash.

You may not know it, but the money we raise at the Oakboro Cruise-In has started going to scholarships to help local kids attend Stanly Community College and learn about automobile technology. Buy a 50/50 ticket and help a kid learn how to fix your car!

Now Car Gal, who puts this Website together, is also working on another cruise-in on Saturday, April 17 in Asheboro. It's a fundraiser with an entry fee of $25. The name of the event is the Cruisin' for Miracles Car Show and Old Time Chili Cookoff. Hey, if you like cooking chili, this might be an event for you, too! Old cars and homemade chili. The Website for the chili cookoff is http://www.oldtimechilicookoff.com/ and that site will take you to the car show - it's actually two events going on at the same time, same place, same day.

People are talking about us .....

2010-03-10T11:46:00.002-05:00

Hey, Oakboro loves bugs!
Yea, the VW Bugs!
Check this out ..... the Oakboro Cruise-In has been the topic of discussion...

Cruise-ins Everywhere

2010-03-05T16:38:00.000-05:00

Seems like everyone loves the sexy lines, the curves, the swirls of old cars. I know I do. I was at the stoplight the other day when a precious bright red Corvette pulled up beside me. I don't recall the driver, but I did admire the classy style.

So it's no wonder that towns like Asheboro (April 17) are starting cruise-ins. The one on April 17 will be a fundraiser with Golden Corral for the Children's Miracle Network - and the setting will be alongside the Old Time Chili Cookoff.

I see quite a few of the Asheboro car collectors at the Oakboro show. Small world ...small towns ... pretty cars!

January 2010 Cool Cruise-In

2010-01-21T11:33:00.005-05:00

Come have dinner and show off your car. No, it's a bit too cold to do burnouts this time of year, but we still like to show off our cars and socialize.

We have a variety of restaurants - Cafe East, Hayfield's Steak & Seafood, Penny's and Wayside. The Art Shop, antique shops and others will be open late.

We've heard there is a possibility that members of the Carolinas Miata Car Club will come, but we haven't heard for sure. If so, bundle up with a warm jacket, some gloves, a hat and take a stroll up and down Main Street. Here's a pic I pulled off the Internet. Makes you feel a little warmer, yea? See you Friday night!

2010 Dates

2010-01-04T10:31:00.003-05:00

The shiny cars, photo opportunities, friendly conversation and the burnout are what continue to pull people monthly to the Oakboro Cruise-In. The Stanly County event pulls in around 6,000 or so people and 500 cars if the weather is pretty.

The event is held on the fourth Friday of each month. Cars start arriving around 3 p.m., but it actually starts at 5 p.m. At 9 p.m., the Burnout is held, filling the streets with soft billowing smoke, tire squeals and cheers from the crowds.

The Burnout is held April through October, while the Cruise-In is a monthly event.

The 2010 dates are January 22, February 26, March 26, April 23, May 28, June 25, July 23, August 27, September 24, October 22 and November 26. There will not be a December event as it falls on Christmas Eve.

Tonight ... Tonight ..... Tonight ....

2009-08-28T12:41:00.001-04:00

Yes, the cruise-in is being held tonight!

Interested in Volunteering?

2009-08-21T17:08:00.003-04:00

If you've been recently, you have seen we have had a lot of cars --- a count last month found around 400.

So we're putting out the plea to help us park them, welcome people to the Oakboro Cruise-In and assist with crowd control during the Burnout. If you're interested, please email us at info@OakboroCruiseIn.com and we'll follow up with times and places.

Thanks!

Photos from July '09

2009-07-30T10:59:00.010-04:00

Photos by Tom Gillespie, who just won 3rd place in a USA TODAY travel photography contest.

Gotta stay behind the line -flying rubber from the burnout may hit you! And when a tire pops, the crowd goes nuts - hootin' and hollering and clapping!

This is a great burnout!

The rest of these photos come from Car Gal.

In Oakboro, you can't get an exact count of the number of street rods, classic cars and other vehicles participating in the event. However, we did count around 400 on July 24. That didn't include all the side parking areas. For more photos, visit our Facebook page. You can click on the link at the top of this Website.

Let's Talk AC Cobra ....

2009-07-29T22:22:00.007-04:00

Car Gal also asked about the AC Cobra. Owner Ed Curlee shares this information -- AC Cobras dominated road racing during the mid 60’s and are one of the most revered racing automobiles of all time. Original Cobra values have reached near one million dollars and some even more depending upon the car history and condition.

This car is a 1966 AC Cobra replica by Lone Star Classics of Fort Worth, Texas. It’s powered by a ’65 model Ford 427 stretched to 452 ci. Sitting atop this legendary cross-bolt main block is a set of massaged Edelbrock aluminum medium riser heads, a Blue Thunder intake and a Braswell blueprinted Holley carburetor.

A Tremec TKO 600 5-speed trans feeds the torque to an adjustable four-link rear suspension featuring a 9” Ford Trac-Lok posi rear end. Chassis equipment includes 4 wheel disc brakes, twin master cylinders (front/rear), tubular front control arms and adjustable coil-over shocks. Color is Cherry red with Ultra white stripes.

Car Gal notes that one of our volunteers sat in it. He's 6'4" and had a difficult time getting out. And Car Gal confesses that she didn't know what an AC Cobra was. She asked the car owner who looked a little stunned by her lack of knowledge. Well, he's a real trouper and teacher. Car Gal thanks you, Ed!

GT-40 MK II

2009-07-29T14:33:00.003-04:00

Car Gal asked for information about the GT-40 and the Cobra that were showcased at the July cruise-in.....

The car is a Superformance GT-40 MK II that was assembled by *Olthoff Racing out of Mt. Ulla, NC. Mark Ray researched the car for Joe Henderson in detail to help recreate a car that would be right at home on the grid at LeMans.

Correct color, motor, race lighting, roundals and #5 were all done to original specification. Even a set of stainless steel bundle of snakes (headers) were located to give the car a true period presentation. It is an accurate recreation of the Holman Moody third place finishing car at LeMans in 1966. Henry Ford II mandated that Ford must beat Ferrari at the greatest road race in the world! GT-40's finished 1-2-3 that year at LeMans.

Lee Holman of *Holman Moody participated with supplying many of the details and correctly themed 500+hp big block 427 FE side oiler built by Jimmy Tucker. Larry Wallace also of Holman Moody grinded an original spec Holman Moody 882 camshaft. As in the day the car is right hand drive with outboard right hand sill shifter. The car is street legal has A/C and can accelerate with most anything street driven today.

* Holman Moody: Lee Holman at (704) 583-2888 or http://www.holmanmoody.com/
* Olthoff Racing: Dennis Olthoff at (704) 647-9924 or http://www.olthoffracing.com/

Lots of Cars

2009-07-24T23:48:00.006-04:00

Cars come and go - but we still counted more than 400 vehicles participating in the Cruise-In tonight. Photos are forthcoming - as well as information about those two sleek, sexy cars that were parked at the stoplight. They were quite a rare sighting. And the winner of the 50/50 raffle took home $165 tonight!

The Rattlesnake shown here has a very unique paint on it that looks red, brown, purple or green, depending upon the angle of the light. The paint itself runs about $800 a quart.

Weather Looks Great on Friday

2009-07-22T23:25:00.005-04:00

Be sure to bring your camera! The Queen City Corvette Club and the Charlotte Region's Hornets Nest are coming. That means a lot of shiny, pretty, old cars with sleek, sexy lines! We'll have lots of musical entertainment -- and be sure to buy a 50/50 ticket. You can go home with hard, cold cash! ....

Musical entertainment will be provided by two different performers. Erin & The Darlings and Roy Orbison tribute artist, Tony King, will keep your foot tapping. ... USA TODAY award-winning photographer Tom Gillespie will be roving around with his camera. Photos will be used to promote the Cruise-in. Smile!

Cruise-in Featured on "Roy's Folks"

2009-06-16T00:29:00.007-04:00

Check out this link to see what is on the Internet and being shown in the Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point television market. And the story was sent to the national FOX network for distribution to other affiliates.

Roy's Folks is a feature segment that airs on WGHP Fox 8. The producer is David Weatherly. The on-air talent is Roy Ackland.

The pair has traveled around the world producing exciting stories about fascinating places. Some of their stories have aired across the nation - and overseas. And in May 2009, they came to Oakboro. This story may grow legs and be seen in other places, too.

Not much surprises them anymore. They've just about seen it all - but the story they captured about the car, the wedding, etc - well - you'll just have to turn on your speakers and click on the link.

May 22, 2009 photos

2009-05-24T13:11:00.001-04:00

Scott Garland submitted these photos.

Photos of May 2009

2009-05-23T00:27:00.009-04:00

Finally! Here are some images from May..... And no, that's not a Mary Kay pink Caddie. It was originally green and was restored with a pale shade of pink.

Roy's Folks Coming to Cruise-in

2009-05-21T16:45:00.007-04:00

Roy Ackland and David Weatherly with WGHP-TV Fox 8 in High Point are planning to come to the cruise-in on Friday. Roy is the on-air talent and David is the show's producer and videographer. Both are incredibly talented men. The name of the show is Roy's Folks.

They specialize in fun feature stories and have traveled throughout the Carolinas and Virginia finding interesting tales to tell. We're delighted to have them as our guests! Watch for the "Folkswagon!"

May 22 Cruise-in On Schedule

2009-05-19T19:22:00.006-04:00

Pinch me. The weather will be wonderful on Friday!

Last month, because the temperature was so nice, we had our second largest crowd of cars and people ever! The street was lined with cars shortly after 1 p.m. They were still coming into town after 8 p.m. We had a steady line of shiny old classics, sexy street rods and those waiting for a colorful coat of paint.

Tony King will be our guest musician. He is a Roy Orbison tribute artist. Pretty cars and "Pretty Woman." Be sure to get some 50/50 tickets. Last month's winner went home $98 richer! Bring your lawn chairs, your cameras, your most comfortable walking shoes and an appetite for lots of cars. We like to call it "Living History."

Bojangles Features Oakboro in Commercials

2009-04-29T22:45:00.014-04:00

In August 2008, the advertising agency for Bojangles came to town. TV commercial producers interviewed a lot of people and captured a lot of images of cars.

Commercials began airing across the Carolinas in January 2009. The first one featured Jake DelHomme and Steve Smith with the Carolina Panthers. Oakboro Cruise-in volunteer Joel Leonard was also in the commercial. He's a tall guy who used to play football - and sometimes sells the 50/50 tickets.

Now, a second commercial is airing with Jerry Crayton, Cruise-in founder and Mayor Joyce Little. The spot opens announcing the Oakboro Cruise-In and shows a lot of cars throughout - and ends with a great daytime shot along Main Street.

We thank Bojangles for coming to our town and for helping us promote what we think is the biggest and best cruise-in anywhere.

2009 Season Heats Up: 400+ cars, 8,000+ people

2009-04-25T00:09:00.009-04:00

Oh, my gosh. Coming into Oakboro traffic was backed up all the way to the school. And it took 15 or so minutes to get from there to downtown. By 1:30 p.m., streets were already crowded with parked cars.

Organizers estimate this was the second largest crowd ever, with around 8,000 people and 400 or so cars. They were everywhere - and many had never been to the Oakboro Cruise-in before. We checked out the new restaurant, Boomers. Hamburgers were big and tasty. Loved the home fries.

One lucky person took home $98 in cash from the 50/50. Sometimes a dollar ticket can really pay off! .... And wouldn't you know it - this would be the night my camera batteries died!

It's April - That Means BURNOUT!

2009-04-17T11:03:00.002-04:00

Are your camera batteries charged? Better get 'em ready! Burnouts start this month!

The Featured Car of the Month will be the 1915 Ford Touring Car belonging to Mr. Heath Hahn of Red Cross. The car will be placed at the intersection of 2nd Street and Main Street, near the stop light. Be sure to check it out.

Souvenir calendars are for sale at $5 each. Our new Welcome to Oakboro Magazine is free - be sure to take one home with you.

You'll hear music coming from Neal Smith. Follow his sound to purchase your 50/50 tickets. Last year, people left with more than $100 in cash. Or, purchase your tickets from any member of the Medical Laboratory Technician Club. Tickets will be sold throughout the evening and at the burnout site.

The cruise-in is sponsored by the Greater Oakboro Business Association. Participants are reminded to follow all traffic laws while driving through town. Special parking is available for handicapped. For further information, call 704-485-4323 or 704-485-2065.

Burnout Changes Time from 9:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

2009-03-20T11:55:00.004-04:00

March came in like a lion, so we're hoping it will go out like a lamb - and give us great weather on March 27.

Burnouts will begin in April - and we've moved the time from 9:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. So mark your calendars!

Be sure to bring some cash to buy 50/50 tickets. We've been giving away hard, cold cash to lucky winners! If you see someone in a bright neon-colored STAFF shirt, ask where you can buy the tickets. Monies raised go to put on future cruise-ins.

Taking the Cruise-in Home With You

2009-03-18T22:44:00.006-04:00

It's not necessarily a requirement that Oakboro residents have old cars, but it seems like most do. And they're featured in a new calendar. I really like looking at mine on the wall. When stress hits during the day, I take a gander at Betty and Herman Almond's 56 Chevy and the stress goes away. For an instant, I feel like I'm at the Cruise-in. I envision friends I've met there and the crowds of people who come every month from afar.

That beautiful, bright yellow '56 F-100 Ford pick-up truck that I see every month is the photo for April. It belongs to my friends Jerry and Agnes Crayton. He's the one who actually started this event.

Calendars are $5 apiece and can be purchased during the cruise-in. It's a great way to take a little of it home with you!

March 27 Cruise-in News

2009-03-06T09:20:00.001-05:00

Our 2009 Oakboro Cruise-In season has begun and with the weather being in our favor, we expect it to take off as usual on March 27th. This year you can purchase another unique piece of Cruise-In memorabilia. We are offering a calendar complete with picture pages of cars belonging to the folks that have worked to help bring the Cruise-In to the success that it is today. The sale of these calendars and the advertisements in them will help to offset the cost of the Cruise-In.

The cost of this calendar is $5.00. They will be available at several spots on the street at Cruise-In night. You may purchase them at other times at the following Oakboro locations: Rowell’s Screenprinting, Home Savings Bank, Wayside Restaurant, SunTrust Bank, Bank of Stanly and Oakboro Hardware. In Albemarle , you may find them at The Marketplace of Albemarle Antique Mall.

Would you like to feature your favorite antique or classic car in our 2010 calendar? Each 2009 calendar has a insert in it with all the information you will need to do just that. Don’t wait too late, as we have already sold some spots for next year. If you have questions or need a special mailing, please call Becky at 704-485-2065.

Cruise-in Friday - February 27, 2009

2009-02-25T11:02:00.008-05:00

Come on down to Oakboro this Friday. Our Cruise-in will be held at 5 p.m. rain or shine. And according to the forecast, the rain will come after we've gone home. So let's have a little fun!

And we've got a few new things to share with you. We've created a classy 2009 calendar to showcase our classy cars. They're $5 each. The snazy photos will look really nice on your wall and help you plan your day. Flyers for this year's season are here. Be sure to pick one up and put next to your calendar.

We hope our new Oakboro Magazine will be here. It's at the printer now. It's packed with all kinds of interesting information about the Cruise-in, our area - and what it's like to live here.

We want to thank a few people for their financial support this year: SunStoppers Professional Glass Tinting; Mike Baucom, Nationwide Insurance Agent; Rob’s Convertible Tops; and Hughes Automotive. The 2009 season is also sponsored by Albemarle Marketplace and Auction Gallery.

Our committee is working on a few new things for this year's season. So you'll just have to come and see what they are!

Get Your Car Ready

2009-02-11T10:03:00.003-05:00

Jerry Crayton says this is the time of year to get your car serviced for the busy cruise-in season. He also says to take advantage of warm sunny days and get out the polish. He says very soft cloths help may your car shine. When asked what he likes to use, he replies "old towels and baby diapers!"

Bring Your Car in a Trailer

2009-02-11T09:57:00.001-05:00

Don't feel comfortable about driving your shiny old street rod on the road? Haul it in a trailer. We have plenty of parking available right behind the Methodist Church. That's located on the main drag - and you can get a hot dog there too!

This Site Used in a Seminar

2009-01-31T11:00:00.005-05:00

Jim Buie, an expert in social marketing, incorporated this Website (blog) in his educational seminar on Jan. 29 at the NC Main Street annual conference. He was talking about ways to use Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Blogger and Wordpress to communicate via the Web.

Thanks Jim!

Everyone in the audience represented a small town across the state and many of them hold cruise-ins. Some commented that even though they have not been to Oakboro, they know about it because so many of the drivers of cars participating in their own cruise-ins tell them about the huge and highly successful Oakboro Cruise-in!

2009 Brings Warm Weather for January Cruise-in

2009-01-25T12:50:00.004-05:00

Diehard fans of the Oakboro Cruise-In braved the cold for the January Cruise-In. A small but enthusiastic group drove into town to enjoy the camaraderie and to sample the local restaurants.

Visitors from nearby Spencer said they never missed an Oakboro event, siting the friendliness of all the participants. They also frequent the cruise-ins in Lexington, Hickory and other cities, but none are as full of excitement as Oakboro’s. Weather permitting, they said, they will be back in February.

A group of three families from Salisbury said they always came to Oakboro, ate at the restaurants, and stayed through the burnout in the summer months. “We always see people we know and meet the friendliest folks here,” said one participant.

Oakboro holds cruise-ins each month on the fourth Friday night beginning at 5 p.m.. From April through October, a burnout is held starting about 9 p.m. The event continues to draw thousands of people each of those months.

The Cruise-In is sponsored by the Greater Oakboro Business Association and is managed by a committee of dedicated volunteers. This group is working hard to add new features to the event and to make it more spectator-friendly.

For information on vendors, call 704-485-2065. Other contacts include Jerry Crayton at 704-467-4992, Randy Huneycutt at 704-485-4142, and Ann Hopkins at 704-791-3019.

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2009 Schedule

2008-11-20T09:46:00.004-05:00

OAKBORO, NC – The 2009 schedule has just been released for the Oakboro Cruise-in & Burnout.
The event is always held on the fourth Friday of the month.
The dates are: January 23, February 27, March 27, April 24, May 22, June 26, July 24, August 28, September 25, October 23 and November 27. The December event will not be held as it falls on Christmas Day.
Oakboro has become recognized for its event where thousands of people flock to town to see shiny classic and street rod cars, socialize – and listen to crackling tires during the burnout.
Cruise-ins begin at 5 p.m. and the burnout is held at 9:30 p.m.
For more information, visit www.oakborocruisein.com or call Jerry Crayton at 704-467-4992.

"Hot Rod Lincoln"

2008-10-29T10:36:00.000-04:00

Now that the burnout season is over, here's a little something to lighten up your day -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6g9yylRujU&eurl=http://video.google.com/videosearch?hl=en&ned=us&q=caring%20for%20street%20rods&um=1&ie=UTF-8&saiurl=http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/o6g9yylRujU/hqdefault.jpg

Friday, Oct. 24 - Oakboro's Last 2008 Burnout

2008-10-21T11:07:00.002-04:00

OAKBORO, NC – Burning rubber. Billowing smoke. Bursting tires. Crowd cheers. Photos. That’s what the burnout is all about. It signals the end to a fun-filled night packed with street rods, classic cars, shiny kits and old clunkers.
The Oakboro Cruise-in & Burnout will be held on Friday, October 24 from 5-10 p.m. in the heart of downtown Oakboro. The burnout is held April-October, but the cruise-in continues year ‘round. It’s always the fourth Friday of the month.
Cars will start arriving around 3 p.m. and line Main and side streets. People will bring their chairs, grab a burger and socialize. It’s a ritual that pulls people from all across the Carolinas. If the weather is pretty, thousands of car lovers will show up, many driving their pride and joy.
And if this October is anything like others have been, participants at the Good-Guys Rod & Custom Association gathering at Lowe's Motor Speedway will bring their cars, according to event organizer Jerry Crayton. “I’ve seen their event schedule and there really isn’t anything going on at their event on Friday night. My hope is that they’ll come to Oakboro. They usually bring some really nice cars.”
Oakboro Cruise-in souvenirs, festival food and the 2009 schedule will be available. Restaurants and shops will be open. Throughout the evening, free T-shirts will be launched into the crowd. The Medical Laboratory Technician Club from Stanly Community College will be selling 50/50 tickets. Winners have typically gone home with $200 newly-found cash in hand. Antique, street rod and classic car drivers are encouraged to register for door prizes.
Oakboro is located on NC Hwy. 205 just off NC Hwy. 24/27 between Charlotte and Albemarle.
For more information, call Jerry Crayton at 704-467-4992 or log onto http://www.oakborocruisein.com/.

October 24 - Good-Guys Weekend

2008-10-08T13:27:00.005-04:00

Jerry Crayton, event organizer, says the weekend of Oct. 24 is the same weekend as the Good-Guys Rod & Custom Association gathering at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

"The schedule doesn't really offer much on that Friday night, so we anticipate having some of them show up at the Oakboro Cruise-in & Burnout. Some even participate in the burnout. "

Good-Guys attendees come from all over the country, particularly from along the Eastern Seaboard. They bring street rods, custom built, classics and muscle cars through 1972.

Even though this is the last Burnout for the 2008 season, the actual cruise-in will continue on the last Friday of each month. The next burnout will occur in April 2009.

Oh, it's raining!

2008-09-26T13:02:00.004-04:00

Today is Friday, September 26 and the skies are gray. It's raining most everywhere across North Carolina as the storm moves across our state. The eye of this non-tropical, tropically-shaped N'easter is over us now - but weather radar has rain extending from Oakboro south to the GA/SC line.

I've had inquiries about tonight's Oakboro Cruise-in & Burnout. Organizers tell me that some people are still planning to attend, but that the crowd will be nothing like it normally is - because of Mother Nature.

Events do not have rain dates. The next one will be held the fourth Friday in October - let's keep our fingers and toes crossed for outstanding weather!

Cruisin Carolina Magazine

2008-08-27T16:25:00.008-04:00

Like Cruisin Carolina Magazine? We thought so. Many people visiting this site go to that one first. They find our address while surfing and flipping through the pages.Copies are available for $3 each at the Oakboro Regional Historical Museum. Drop by and learn a little about our community's history. Find out why Big Lick has that name - and how old this region really is. Learn about international recording stars and authors who have roots here.

The Museum is located on Main Street across from SunTrust Bank and the US Post Office. The Museum is open 2-4 p.m. Monday and Sunday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Thursday. Group reservations are available by calling -704-485-4222.

Aug 22 - Huge Crowd, Lots of cars - and cash!

2008-08-22T23:36:00.004-04:00

The weather was just right - little to no humidity, gentle breeze, comfortable temperatures, slightly overcast. We had a huge crowd with lots of cars. Many of them parked near the Quick Chek. We have lots of parking available at the Railroad Museum. Hopefully in the future we'll get more cars to park there, too.

A lucky attendee at the Burnout walked away with 50 percent of the largest 50/50 drawing we've had so far - he took home $256. Congratulations - and thanks for buying all those tickets.

And the 2009 schedule is out. I'll have it posted by next week. Yes, the Oakboro Cruise-in & Burnout will continue in Oakboro!

Car Gal

Friday, August 22 Event Brings Mark Martin Car

2008-08-20T12:57:00.000-04:00

The Oakboro Cruise-in & Burnout will be held Friday, August 22 from 5 – 10 p.m. Bring your hot rod, lawn chairs and cameras!

The special attraction at this show will be the 2008 Mark Martin car that raced in several Sprint Cup races this season. The car is owned by Dale Earnhardt, Inc and will be parked in front of Quality Child Care on Main Street in Oakboro.

Publisher of Cruisin Carolina Magazine Gary Geissman will be taking photographs of unique cars for the October publication of his magazine. Photos may also be posted on www.cruisincarolinamagazine.com.

Copies of the current magazine are available from the Oakboro Regional Museum of History.
And everyone is encouraged to post videos on You Tube and photos on the event’s Website, www.oakborocruisein.com.

Dubbed the largest cruise-in held in a North Carolina downtown, the Oakboro event typically shows more than 300 cars – classic cars, street rods, trucks and motorcycles. They park along the main drag and side streets.

Restaurants and shops will be open throughout the evening. One of the most unique is a popsicle manufacturer. Additional food vendors will be set up at the corner of North Main and Third streets.

Members of the Medical Laboratory Technology Club from Stanly Community College will be selling 50/50 tickets at the Cruise-in and the Burnout. The club will receive a portion of the proceeds. This season, a lucky person at each event has taken home more than $100 in cash by participating in the 50/50 challenge.

The Oakboro Cruise-in & Burnout is sponsored by the Greater Oakboro Business Association with the mission of bringing people into town. Profits from the vendors and other sales are used to pay for event costs, such as electricity, insurance, port-a-johns and music.

Oakboro is located between Albemarle and Charlotte on NC Hwy. 205, just off NC Hwy. 24/27.
For more information about the event, visit www.oakborocruisein.com or call Jerry Crayton at 704-467-4992.

2008-07-28T15:51:00.001-04:00

Someone took home $135 in 50/50 winnings on July 25. Congratulations! Organizers say it was a "biggggg crowd!"

Oakboro Cruise-in Featured in Magazine

2008-07-26T21:41:00.007-04:00

Gary Geissman, editor and publisher of Cruisin Carolina Magazine, announced Monday that the Oakboro Cruise-In will be featured in the October issue of the magazine.

Launched in March 2008, the magazine focuses on cruising events in North and South Carolina. Geissman and his staff of photographers attend as many as 40 cruising events per month and feature photos both in the monthly magazine and on their web site http://www.cruisincarolinamagazine.com/.

“I believe that the Oakboro Cruise-In is definitely one of the best in the state of North Carolina! I personally travel all over North and South Carolina and Oakboro is in the top three out of hundreds I attend. Where else can you take your family for a night of fun like this for free!”

Mooresville native Geissman has a long history of drag racing, working in both Indy Car and Nextell Cup series. Geissman and staff will photograph the August 22 event and be available to talk to car owners about their classics or street rods. Owners who want to be sure to be noticed should come early to obtain a prime parking space.

The magazine provides free listing of car events as well as car clubs of both Carolinas. In addition to a monthly story about a cruisin diner, Geissman offers restoration tips, technical articles, and stories about salvage yards and auto graveyards. Cruisin Carolina Magazine is available for purchase at the Oakboro Regional Museum of History. Subscriptions are available through the Cruisin Carolina Magazine web site.

Dukes of Hazard car to appear at July 25 Cruise-in

2008-07-21T20:36:00.007-04:00

Crank up old Betsy, it’s time again for the Oakboro Cruise-In and Burnout on Friday night, July 25, on the streets of downtown Oakboro.

Crowds of people bring their classic cars, street rods, and kit cars to the streets of town, sit on lawn chairs to enjoy the company of other "motor heads", and parade down Main Street. Then it’s off to the site of the burnout, where folks hold down the brake and accelerator at the same time to spin tires, blow smoke and the occasional tire.

Special attraction this week will be the Hazard County Stunt Team complete with a true Dukes of Hazard Car. Tom Sarmento, original crew member and lead mechanic for building the cars will head the tea. The group can be found on their web site at http://www.hazzardcountystuntteam.com/

Local restaurants are available as are specialty food vendors. Period car owners who register their cars will be eligible for a $50 dollar drawing at the end of the day.
The Medical Lab Technology Club from Stanly Community College will be selling 50/50 tickets on the streets and at the Burnout. Tickets will also be available at the registration tables. The winner will be announced at the Burnout. Past winners have taken home $100 or more in cash!

Training Video - How to Retrofit a Muffler

2008-07-19T13:29:00.003-04:00

Interested in doing some work on your own old car? Check out these videos - http://www.dougjenkinscustomhotrods.com/videos/video1.shtml and http://www.dougjenkinscustomhotrods.com/videos/video2.shtml

Million Mile Camaro

2008-07-14T12:37:00.002-04:00

Have you seen the news story about the Florida woman who put 1,000,000 miles on her Camaro? If not, click here - http://www.myfoxorlando.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=6968273&version=3&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=3.1.1

June's Cruise-in & Burnout Recap

2008-06-29T12:29:00.005-04:00

Despite the mid-afternoon rain, we had a tremendous turnout for the June Oakboro Cruise-in & Burnout. Well, we didn't exactly have the burnout because of safety concerns. See, we celebrate the Fourth of July for 10 days. Our town becomes one big festival - and we didn't have the space we normally have for the burnout. But, it will return in July.

Speaking of July, the next event will be held on Friday, July 25. Stay tuned for information on car clubs, music, etc.

2008-06-12T18:22:00.011-04:00

Join us on Friday, June 27 as we kick off the 50th Annual 4th of July celebration in Oakboro. We're planning on lots of cars - and music!

The Buick Owners of the Carolinas and the Charlotte Region Hornet's Nest will bring all kinds of shiny cars. You can see them at the new Oakboro Railroad Museum. We invite you to park nearby. Just follow the sweet sound of Mickie Eller's music!

Rocky Yelton & The Hired Guns, from Forest City, will perform. You may know Rocky from Pigeon Forge and Coyote Joe's in Charlotte.

Be sure to register your cars and participate in the 50/50 drawing. Last month, a man from Charlotte took home $145. The month prior, a couple from Monroe won $250. Oh, the sweet smell of cash!