5/16/2007

Cruisin’ with the OC Cruzers
By Bob Lassahn

With the arrival of May comes the annual visit of the "Cruisers" to Ocean City. From May 17 through 20 the resort will sparkle with dazzling chrome and shake with the rumble of vintage V8 engines as the 17th Annual Crusin' Ocean City comes to town. It is a time when many revisit the fond memories of their youth, while others simply revel in the beauty of the classic cars rolling along Coastal Highway. According to many sources it is one of the top money-making events held in the resort.

Among those involved in this rite of spring are the members of the Ocean City Cruzers Car Club. According to current president Craig Smith of Bishopville these aficionados of vintage vehicles will be participating as contestants in the numerous car shows, as well as volunteering for various duties to make the event happen. He expects participation in one form or another by more than 100 members.

Ocean City Cruzers was organized in March 2002 with about 50 charter members and has now grown to more than 150 members. The majority of members come from the Delmarva area, but others are located in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida and even California. Members are involved with vintage, classics, hot rods, muscle cars and custom cars. All interests involving cars are welcomed

As a non-profit organization the club has two primary objectives. One is share their love and passion for cars by preserving the cars of yesteryear and showing them off to enthusiastic crowds. Their second objective is to raise funds for local charities by hosting car shows, volunteering their time at area events and through donations from the community. Since their inception the club has  donated thousands of dollars to organizations such as Worcester County Gold, the Humane Society and Coastal Hospice, as well as families or individuals who are in need.

Members Candy and Jerry Marceron of Ocean Pines were kind enough to share some thoughts about the Cruisin' event and preparation of their restored 57 Chevrolet Bel Air for the coming shows. Jerry says he has been involved with cars since he was 13 years old and attended his first hot rod show. He has done full "ground-up" restorations, his first on a 1951 Ford pickup, but his 57 Chevy was purchased 18 months ago fully restored and "turnkey." He says he has reached a point where he just wants to have fun and the restoration work has lost some appeal. Candy sums it up well when she adds "we just want to enjoy the ride." 

Looking at the gleaming paint and shining chrome of Jerry's beautiful example of a classic car it is difficult to believe he needs to do anything to make the car look better. This 50 year old vehicle looks like it just left the showroom floor. But Jerry says he will be busy washing cleaning, waxing, detailing the chrome and otherwise "staging" the car to look its best for the competition ahead. As an aside he comments, "Do you know how many bugs you collect between Ocean Pines and Salisbury?"

One thing that cannot be adequately described by a writer is that heart thumping sound emanating from the V8 engine under the hood.  Equipped with a 283 cubic inch, 220 horsepower version that purrs nicely at idle, the vehicle has a throaty growl when the power is applied. The kids of today would probably sum that up as "sweet."

For information and a schedule on the upcoming Cruisin' Ocean City event visit www.specialeventpro.com. For additional information on the Ocean City Cruzers Car Club visit www.occruzers.com.

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