The weather was everything organizers of this year’s Langley Good Times Cruise-In could have hoped for.
The warm, sunny Saturday drew thousands to the annual non-profit Langley City event that was expected to raise over $80,000 for local charities.
An exact tally will not be available until the all-volunteer event has finished adding up expenses and donations.
Unofficial estimates suggest over 100,000 visitors attended the event, and there is some speculation that this year may have set an all-time record.
On Monday, Cruise-In president Eric Taylor said the numbers were “huge” but was unable to confirm if a record had been set.
Taylor said it was a trouble-free Cruise-In, with no serious incidents to spoil the fun.
“I would like to give kudos to everyone,” Taylor said, praising the RCMP, City of Langley, volunteers and sponsors for contributing to the success of the event.
“It ran so smoothly, so well.”
This year, more than 700 cars and other classic vehicles were entered, up from just over 600 the previous year.
One of the big draws was In-N-Out burger.
The California-based chain, known for the quality of its locally-sourced burgers and well-paid staff, has no outlets in Canada, but every year it sends one of its “Cookout Trailers” to help the Cruise-In registered charity raise money.
A newcomer to the Cruise-In couldn’t believe the lineup for In-N-Out burgers in the Cascades Casino parking lot.
“Are they made of gold?” she asked, as she surveyed the hundreds of people stretching for several city blocks.
Among them were Brad Gilbert and Shiho Tamai from Burnaby, who became fans of the iconic American hamburger chain during a California trip.
The couple, both sporting In-N-Out caps, said the wait of a few hours to have a burger is still better than the drive to the states they would otherwise have to make.
“The closest In-N-Out burger [to Metro Vancouver] is 14 hours,” Gilbert said.
Not far from the food truck, the Seattle Cossacks had returned with their vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycles and gasp-inducing stunts that stacked multiple riders on single bikes.
Classic vehicles lined the streets in every direction, including a 1955 Daimler Ferret, a lightweight British-built armoured vehicle restored by Vancouver resident Glen Braid.
It was especially popular with younger visitors, who lined up have their pictures taken in the commander’s seat.
The Ultimate Garage winner was Kevin Forshner from Sechelt.
The Langley Times award was given to Cecil Aitchison, for his 1941 Chevrolet pickup truck.
The follow-up swap meet and car corral on Sunday attracted 5,000 spectators, with 120 vendors and over 80 cars for sale.
More photos below:
