FLIPSIDE Online

The weekend comes, my cycle hums: Cruise night returns

By Jackie Westfall

DAVE TAYLOR, THE SOUTHERN
Cars from the 1950s line the streets in downtown Murphysboro as part of the first Murphysboro Cruise Night of the season. The cruise is held on the first Saturday of every month from May through September.

Classic hot rods and swank motorcycle cars are making resurgence in area towns driven by parents and teenagers alike.

In the summer months, towns are celebrating 'bad to the bone roots' and offering dedicated cruise nights. With the noticeable absence of police pressure on these revving rebels, they are free to congregate and some towns offer prizes to the best showboats.

Murphysboro's cruise nights started their engines last week and will continue to meet from 6 to 9 p.m. every first Saturday through September on Walnut Street. Live music and vendors will be available. Contact Chris Hughes at 684-2900 or 531-4533 for more information.

Anna wheels will roll from 6 to 9 p.m. every third Saturday through September at the Pizza Hut parking lot. Live music and games will be on hand. Contact Colin Crews at 697-2457.

Benton will steer and stop from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. every second Saturday on the Benton Square until October. The summer cruise series will feature live music.

Herrin brings up the rear and will start from 6 to 9 p.m. every second Friday downtown. Contact Margaret Corder at 525-5544.