The History of the No Dues Cruisers as told by John Benton
To the best of my knowledge, the group started at Wendy's on Lacey Blvd in
Hanford, CA. There are still a few of those founders around on Friday
nights. Somehow, this small group gathered together with another bunch of
folks at the old Snow White drive-in, on Irwin St.
This grew both groups to a couple dozen cars on those early Friday evenings.
Yet, as with many activities, a part of the crowd departed for the Burger King lot
and drive-in.
The group, yet unnamed, met there for about a season. Burger King would
contribute prizes to the beginning raffles that would eventually grow to
rather larger proportions. There was a change within BK's management, and
and we were asked to find another location.
At this point, we moved to the then Simply Foods parking lot on the corner
of Grangeville and 10th Ave. in Hanford. That was a bit too small, so off
we go again. This time we landed on the corner of Lacey and 12th Ave. This
is the Wal-Mart center. There, for the next three years, we shifted and
altered our location. A few members left for other action, and many, many
more started to join the group.
After a crowding issue arose again, we were on the road to a new local. We
landed in front of the new Target building, just down the street. After not
quite a season there, we were approached by the manager of the Kragen Auto
store there in the Target complex. This was a match made in heaven. We had
old cars. They sold car parts.
Over the last 6 years, the group has continued to grow. It is
not a club. But more a group of car enthusiasts who share a love for
there vehicles, a heart towards the community, towards children, and a bond
of respect and admiration towards each other.
And the name. There has been much debate and discussion in the ranks as to
where the name came from. It came to life when we first moved to the
Wal-Mart location. The first time I heard the name, it was uttered by one
the senior, female, members of the group, and personally, I am more than
pleased with that idea.
The group offers a cruise sight for all types of vehicles. Restored,
rebuilt, just bought, working or not. Two wheels, four wheels and some with
no wheels. Ford, Chevy, Mopar, AMC, Foreign and all. All you need to be a
"member", is to own a window sticker with our name on it, but it is not a
requirement to participate in the fun!
On Fridays, you will find all or some of the vehicle types and styles
mentioned before. We are averaging 30+ vehicles every weekend.
Occasionally, we hit well over 50, coming from all over the valley to visit
and let us look at their rides. There is a chance to try your luck. We
offer a raffle, with some great prizes, and a chance at our 50/50 drawing.
These are activities available to all, but you are not required to
participate if you do not wish to.
The raffle is self generating, and the 50/50 proceeds go back to the group
and community. There is a year-end picnic that is paid for in whole by the
proceeds. You just bring you own drinks. The proceeds also help provide a
little Christmas cheer for a less fortunate family here in our community.
We also support other local groups by sponsoring awards and plaques for
their events, along with our attendance. Toys for Tots gets a shot in the
arm from the group also.
We have several military men and women in our ranks also. It is an honor to
have them in our group.
No Dues Cruisers. No dues, just cruising in our wonderful, yet occasionally
frustrating, beautiful rides. We all come from various walks of life with
diverse interests and backgrounds, races and cultures, but we do share a
common bond.
We are The No Dues Cruisers.
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