Cruisin’ for Kids Car Show and Festival Draws a Crowd

By: Shelia Mader

The annual Cruisin’ for Kids Car Show and Festival, hosted by the Optimist Club of Jackson County, once again brought the community together for a day of fun and nostalgia. Each year, the event attracts a wide range of unique cars and trucks, from vintage classics to more recent models.

This year’s festival featured an increase in vendors, though there were slightly fewer vehicles on display. One young attendee noted the absence of a crowd favorite, the Mayberry Police car from The Andy Griffith Show, as he searched the grounds hoping to find it.

Families had plenty to enjoy throughout the day. While parents browsed vendor booths, children stayed busy with bounce houses, obstacle courses, games, pony rides, and prize opportunities. Partners for Pets was also on site, giving visitors a chance to meet, pet, and even apply to adopt animals.

Food trucks offered a variety of meals and refreshments, keeping everyone fueled for the day’s activities.

Entertainment included a parade of local beauty queens, live demonstrations by Zicro Jiu-Jitsu Academy, performances by TCA cheer squads, and live music throughout the day by Royce Reagans’ “Original Artists.”

Proceeds from the event support the Jackson County Optimist Club’s youth programs, including Chipola scholarships, school initiatives, and community projects.

Awards were presented to the owners of standout vehicles, rounding out another successful year for this beloved community event.