Car enthusiasts of all ages attended Syracuse American Legion Post 223 Cruise-In despite inclement weather on Friday, May 28. Photo by David Hazledine

By David Hazledine
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — A week before Syracuse American Legion Post 223 held its Cruise-In on May 28, organizer Randy Rinker said, “As long as the weather is good, we expect there will be a good turnout.” Such was not the case as rain earlier in the day and 45 degree temperatures kept many away; nevertheless, Post 223 soldiered on and the car owners and admirers of all ages who ventured out enjoyed a line-up classic cars, live music and grilled hot dogs, while also raising money for a good cause.

This year’s 50-50 raffle will go to ladies auxiliary member Sue Stouder, who recently broke her ankle, said Mark Davis, post commander.

“The weather is not cooperating,” said Davis, who fondly remembered 2019, the first year the legion chose to keep the cruise-in tradition alive, when nearly 70 vehicles were on view. Since then, the event has been dealt a double whammy of COVID-19 in 2020 and crummy weather in 2021.

Nevertheless, Steve Collins of Syracuse, and many others like him, was undaunted. Collins brought out a 1972 Chevy Cheyenne C-10 he recently cleaned up after purchasing it from someone in Arizona 23 years ago. “It’s not a trailer queen,” he quipped; however, the original engine gleamed like new.