Annual Cruise Night Moved to June 9

The car cruise that has brought thousands of people to downtown Pacific in recent years is being revamped to increase numbers and improve the comfort of visitors to the event, according to organizers.

The 2012 event is being billed as the Route 66 Cruise Night, tying it to organizations that promote the historic roadway.

The biggest change is moving the downtown event to June 9, two months ahead of the August heat that has scorched previous shows, said Ron Sansone, representing the Pacific Partnership, which sponsors the event.

Volunteers are needed to help accept tickets, direct visitors and restrict parking, he said.

Speaking at the May 1 board of aldermen meeting, Sansone said there will be no barbecue this year, taking the event back to basics.

“Cruise Night has been very successful before and we think it will be very successful this year,” he said. “We have already given out more than 5,000 fliers.”

Registration for cars begins at 11 a.m. on West Union Street. Entry fee is $10 per car. Dash plaques will be given to the first 300 cars.

All registered entries will be included in a drawing for cash prizes of $300 first, $200 second and $100 third. The drawing will be held at 6 p.m. Entries must be present to win.

“We think the cash prizes will keep the cars here,” said Bob Bober, event co-chair. “Don Flier Motors donated money for prizes.”

Bober said Cruise Night will be promoted in the same way the successful model railroad show was promoted.

“We already have the event on seven websites and have a list of all car clubs in Missouri and Illinois. We will visit 10 car shows and give out more fliers.” he said. We will have distributed 16,000 fliers by then.”

The event will be over by 10 p.m.