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It started out with just about 30 cars & trucks on a Sat. night in May, 2009. From that humble beginning, this open cruise night has progressed to one of the biggest and best cruise nights in East Texas, consistently pulling in from 150 to 200+ vehicles. It coincides with the 2nd Sat. main street arts & crafts which has various vendors, some setting up in the morning and staying until the evening. It is in a perfect location right downtown, close to the famous Marshall Courthouse. This courthouse and area are well known for the Wonderland of Lights held each year at Christmas time with literally millions of lights, concerts, ice skating, vendors and more. The cruise night is located on N. Washington Street, which runs from historic Hwy 80 right up to the Courthouse square. Several blocks are set aside each 2nd Sat. evening from March through Nov. for participant parking. Several stores have started staying open later and the biggest is the large Weisman Center complex. This historic building is a hub of downtown activity and the organizers set up in front of it on the sidewalk. With restaurants, shops, vendors and more, this cruise night isn’t just a place to park and sit. From delicious sandwiches and hamburgers inside the Weisman to full course meals available at restaurants and shopping to boot, this Sat. evening cruise night is tops. There is shade and atmosphere, music, sometimes live concerts and always a stroll down the street lined with historic buildings and shops. Some car clubs show up every month, even participants from other states in the Ark-La-Tex. You never know what is going to roll in, but there are some really fine rides to look at. Like a regular car show, there are lots of door prizes given out, 50/50 pot and lots of lookers. The Backroads Bunch of East Texas Car Club and the Marshall Main Street Association put on the cruise night and have it well organized. The city backs the show and appreciates all those who attend. There is no charge to come and display your vehicle, only registering in order to participate in the door prize drawings. Some of these sponsored prizes are large and expensive. We go and set up when we can and always enjoy the activities, seeing old friends, the good food, music and just being there in town. Make plans to attend this family cruise night, and tell them you heard about it in Cruisin’ Style. Email: realestwoman@yahoo.com, John Whisenant at 903-472-9320, or Doug Buchanan at 903-930-2135.
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