In the words of Kevin Craw, “slick hotrods, custom cars, and foreign classics” will be “shown and shined” at the Piersall Building parking lot Friday, July 10, beginning at 6 p.m. for this year’s Wilton Kiwanis Geeb Fleming Memorial Cruise Night.
The late Kiwanian Thomas “Geeb” Fleming was the man who started it all, and now, six years after his death, Wilton Kiwanis continues to honor his memory.
“Tom and I were best buds and both lifetime ‘car guys’,” said Craw, who manages the event in Fleming’s stead. “I was Geeb’s second lieutenant, sort of, along with Nick Allegretta. We ran it together for eight years.
“Then,” he continued, “on Sunday, July 5, 2009, Geeb was tragically killed on his vintage Harley by a drunk kid up on Ridgefield Road. The event was scheduled for July 10 that year and even though we were heartbroken, Nick and I agreed we had to continue it on in Geeb’s memory.
“Sadly, Nick passed away a couple of years later and I’ve just kept it going for them, and for all the car folks who love a chance to get out on a summer night in their ‘pride and joy.’”
Traditionally held in the Piersall lot on the first Friday after Independence Day, the Cruise Night is an event for local car enthusiasts who want to share their “interesting” custom, vintage, and antique cars with the community and with each other.
“We want a Friday night destination for people who genuinely love classic cars,” said Craw.
“In the past,” he said, “we’ve had some years turn up 65 to 85, even up to 100 cars.”
Though it is not a contest, there will be people’s-choice trophies given for best in show, best custom, and best foreign vehicle.
Perhaps the only vehicle there that will not have a shot of winning will be Ben’s Ice Cream Truck of Norwalk. Ben Boger will be in attendance, serving up frozen treats all evening.
The Wilton Kiwanis Club will be cooking and selling hamburgers and hot dogs, with proceeds to be funneled back into the Wilton club.
No pre-registration is required; the Cruise Night is open to any and all.
There will be no fee for participation.
“It’s pretty easygoing,” said Craw.
The rain date is July 17.