Hawthorne residents fired up for annual drive-by

This Saturday, residents from Hawthorne Cochrane in the Fireside community will be eagerly awaiting the arrival of a spectacular parade of vehicles.

The highly-sociable Cruise Cochrane auto club is making its annual cruise by the seniors' home on Aug. 19, shortly after their 12:30 p.m. departure from Cochrane GM.

Some of the residents set up lawn chairs to watch the parade from different vantage points outside, and even more watch from their windows.

Cruise Cochrane founder Jim Messner says this particular cruise is one they hold close to their hearts. From the reports they receive from the centre's staff, he believes the feeling is mutual.

"We'll slow down and come to a stop and honk our horns and wave at the folks," says Messner. "They'll be waiting there for us and they always enjoy it.

"People are really supportive of it because a lot of us have had our parents or grandparents living in lodges and seniors homes. So it sort of strikes a chord in our hearts."

Afterward, the parade of vehicles will travel south on Hwy. 22 to Marv's Classic Soda Shop in Black Diamond.

He says it's the first time they've included a stop at the popular Black Diamond main street diner in their itinerary.

The cruise kicks off with a show and shine at Cochrane GM from 11 a.m. to noon. Spectators are always welcomed. After a 12-noon drivers' meeting and draw for oodles of door prizes, they'll make their way to Hawthorne.

Tickets are now on sale for a chance to include three great prizes, including two flight vouchers to anywhere Westjet flies.

The next cruise isn't until Sept. 9 and it coincides with the draw for a raffle underway right now in support of the Veterans Association Food Bank.

Tickets are $10 each or 3/$25 for a chance to win the grand prize of two flight vouchers to anywhere Westjet flies. Messner says it has a $4,000 value.

Second prize is an auto detailing package from Sanford Platinum Touch and the third is a gift basket from Cruise Cochrane sponsors.

Messner says it's their major fundraiser this season, with 100 per cent of the proceeds aiding the Veterans Food Bank. 

You can purchase your tickets here.

Now in its sixth season, Cruise Cochrane continues to draw auto enthusiasts and spectators alike from May to September. Since 2018, auto enthusiasts have shone up everything from vintage North American cars, trucks, muscle cars, and hot rods to today's models to participate in a selection of day tours across the region.

Cruise Cochrane kicked off its 2023 season on May 20.

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