Rags to Riches Cruise 08
08/18/08 08:59
The 2008 edition of the “Rags to Riches” cruise ran Saturday, August 16th. Allen McDaniel arrived in Old Towne Olive Branch in this year’s pace car, a 1957 Cadillac sedan. In short order the number of registrants was well in excess of 100. Of course some cars carried two or more people but there were still about 60-70 cars poised to participate, the bulk of which were making the trip to Tupelo from Olive Branch. The MCCC club had good representation with myself, Gerald Raymer, Jim Cohen, Danny & Ginger Ford, Jim & Sue Solley, David and Rose Keen, their daughter Elizabeth and her husband Matt, and Dave West in attendance.
The group fired up and hit Old Highway 78 around 9:30 AM. Approaching Byhalia we picked up a police escort with flashing blue lights. Additional officers blocked intersections and waved participants through stop signs and red lights. Folks carrying on their normal Saturday routines were pleasantly surprised by the colorful parade of shiny cars and trucks representing every decade from the 1920s thru current. They stopped, pointed and waved. Many whipped out cameras to capture the action.
Unlike last year’s boiling temperatures, this year was very comfortable with temperatures in the 70s. As the cruise wound south, clouds increased. By the time we hit Tupelo around Noon, we ran into light rain. Those that opted for the Elvis birthplace tour diverted that direction while all others went directly to the Tupelo Automobile Museum. There we were treated to a delicious pulled pork barbeque lunch in addition to the opportunity to tour the museum’s collection of cars and memorabilia. In short order the sun returned so once folks were done inside, a little show and shine took place outdoors.
At 2:30 everyone saddled up and hit the road for Holly Springs.
Once again, the entire group was invited out to George Poteet’s home to enjoy his personal collection of automobiles housed in numerous buildings. George's place is pretty much a museum on it's own merits! This leg of the cruise was once again a real highlight of the afternoon.
With two successful “Rags to Riches” cruises behind us, there’s a good chance this will become an annual event for years to come.
GF