SASKATOON — Simply said, the annual 8th Street Cruise Night in Saskatoon is classic beauty meeting ageless fun. Who needs a time machine?
The vintage vibes are showcased as classic and custom cars and trucks, along with motorbikes, drive up and down 8th Street Saskatoon in this more than four-decades-long tradition.
The event had humble beginnings in a simple gathering of classic car owners who met at A&W on 8th Street and has now evolved into a 43-year tradition. In fact, the unofficial cruise night has expanded into a cruise weekend encompassing multiple mini car shows, a large Sunday car show event, car-themed events and promotions and of course, the timeless tradition of cruising up and down Saskatoon’s longest street with other car enthusiasts.
The early years of this car event were relatively small gatherings that included live music, contests, and people dressing up in 50’s and 60’s attire. Over the years, more car clubs got on board and the classic car side of the event grew. What evolved is the large three-day event, referred to as cruise weekend, that is part of August each year in Saskatoon.
One participant at Rod’s Hotrods & Customs during the day, Lee, says of his participation in the weekend, “This event is like a rolling museum and us guys are doing what we can to preserve the history while showcasing our classic cars and other prize vehicles. We want to keep this history alive.”
Tristan Remy, who is part of Midnight North Car Club from Prince Albert, came in Aug. 15 for the weekend-long event.
“We will be around all day and all weekend anywhere that has a car presence. It’s my first year at cruise weekend as I never had a car to be part of it,” says Remy.
Cruise weekend isn’t just for the 50+ crowd. Remy is part of the under-30 participants, at 27 years of age. The young car enthusiast adds, “I love all vehicles, my grandpa was a die-hard Chevy guy, grew up with GMC, although I am driving a 2022 Japanese Subaru.”
Remy says the Fast and Furious movies were the start of his love of Japanese cars, along with video games. He is looking forward to cruise night as well as being set up with the downtown car show on Aug. 17.
Participants and spectators alike say they love the vintage feel to the weekend’s activity. Edwin told SaskToday, “Whether you are old enough to remember the movie American Graffiti or you are young enough to be enthralled with the Fast and Furious franchise, this collection of classic and custom cars, trucks and bikes are a great blend of energy and nostalgia.”
In true parade fashion, people sit on benches, the grass, or their own lawn chairs enjoying the opportunity to become engaged in the cruise activity.
