By Ron VandenBoom
Its hard not to notice their candy-colored paint jobs, modified frames, and gleaming chrome plated grill-work, as they cruise down the street past crowds of onlookers.
Its another weekend of souped-up engines and gasoline alley dreams the 13th weekend to be more precise.
Thats how many years the Hi-Line Cruzn Association will have been entertaining the community of Havre with its annual Rod Run.
More than 100 souped up, modified, or otherwise interesting cars, will be heading for Havre this weekend for the run.
You see a lot of people walking around looking at cars and commenting, Oh, I had one of these when I was growing up, said Steve Neiffer, vice president of the Cruzn Association.
Its a common experience for people in their 40s and 50s, Neiffer explained. The cars bring back a lot of memories, some of the cars are cars they grew up with, he said.
For the club members its more serious, but no the less fun.
For us its looking at other peoples creations and seeing what they did differently and meeting other people with the same interest, Neiffer said as he explained what for club members was the biggest thrill.
Neiffer owns a Chevrolet Monza that he has turned into a race car. Its not the kind of machine you drive on the street and shine is less important than speed to Neiffer, but the camaraderie and exposure to new ideas makes the Rod Run special to him.
Robin and Frank Morris will also bring their 1964 Buick Riviera to the Rod Run.
They just joined the Hi-Line Cruzn Association last January and have yet to participate in their first Havre run.
We heard of all the fun the club had and theyre all a bunch of car nuts like Robin and me, so we joined, Frank Morris said.
Registration for the Rod Run begins Friday at 5 p.m. at Hi-Line Lanes Bowling Alley on East First Street.
The cost to participate in all of this years events is $35 per couple or $25 for a single. Extra guests are $10 each and children 12 and under are free.
Registration night will feature a barbecue at the bowling alley with Foos Ball, bowling, and pool available. There will be an impromptu cruise through Havre scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Saturday will begin with carsowners meeting at the Havre High School football practice field between 9 a.m. and noon to register for the Show N Shine that will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This is a chance for anybody who would like to flash the chrome to show up and show off.
Any one can participate in the event for a $5 fee. Those who are already registered are free.
Newcomers will receive a dash plaque when they pay their $5 fee.
The public is invited to view the cars and to vote for their favorite. They will also have a chance to ask questions of the car owners at this time.
The Havre Youth Hockey Club will also be serving lunch and refreshments during this popular Rod Run event.
A Walking Poker Run will be held during the Show N Shine, and following the Show N Shine a trip to Mardins Campground is planned.
Dinner at the Eagles Club will follow at 6:30 p.m. with a no-host cocktail hour beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Awards will be presented starting at 8 p.m. and trophies for the top five peoples choice award will also be presented.
A dance will follow at about 9 p.m. with music provided by the Montana Boogie Band.
Good-byes are scheduled for 9 a.m. Sunday at the bowling alley where a continental breakfast will be served.
