Medina kicks off summer of cruise-ins
Photos by Sue Cook – Parked in one of the last few remaining spots was a 1936 Chevrolet 2-door.
By Sue Cook, staff reporter
MEDINA – Tonight the Medina Canal Basic was packed with approximately 100 classic and antique vehicles while music from the ’50s and ’60s was played over speakers by a DJ. The evening kicks off the summer schedule of Medina cruise-ins.
David Green, co-chairman of the event, said cruise-ins have been going on for 18 years. They regularly draw between 90 and 100 classic cars each week.
“We just get together, listen to music and show off our cars,” Green said. “We’re very fortunate here in Medina because all the businesses put in. Businesses donate to pay for the DJ for the season. We have a Super Cruise on the last night up on Main Street and have an Elvis impersonator there. All the businesses help pay for him. The support from the community is what really makes this as successful as this is.”
Fred and Lori Aquina came from Batavia to admire the beautiful cars lined up in the Canal Basin.
Mike Dagobert of Lyndonville brought his 1957 MGA that he had to replace the engine in.
“I like this cruise-in because it’s quiet, it’s relaxing, it’s a hometown,” he said. “Lots of people show up and there’s lots of cars to look at, and I needed to get the car out and make sure it was running OK. This was a good excuse.”
Lynn Southcott of Medina came with her husband, Harold, and they brought their ’64 Chevy Belair stationwagon.
“We always come to the cruise-in on Friday night down here. We’ve been coming to it since it started,” she said.
Harold added, “I’ve just always monkeyed around with old cars, so we come. It’s something to do. I’ve been doing this stuff for 50-plus years. I’ve had cars ever since I was 12 years old.”
Many participants in the cruise-in events use it as a way to network with others who share their interests, while showing off their vehicles. People from outside the area are able to come to Medina and make connections to the county through new friendships found at the cruise-in nights.
Woody Staples of Barker cleans his ’76 Trans Am. “I’ve been coming here for 10 years or more. I just sit and relax and enjoy the cars.”
Mike Lyons runs his business, Solar-Powered Ice Cream, that serves as one of the food vendors. He appreciates the way old cars look and says that’s why a lot of people come who aren’t into the car culture.
Lyons explained, “If you look at the grills of the cars, some of them are modern, and some of them you look and it’s something you don’t see anymore. It’s like a sculpture. It’s art. The car guys come and look at each others cars, but other people come here and it’s like art to them.”
Cruise-in nights feature themes such as foreign cars, rat rods, trucks and more. Cruise-ins are Friday nights from 5:30 p.m. For more information about theme nights and locations, call 585-798-0445. The Super Cruise on Main Street is Wednesday, Aug. 27.
