Maple City Cruise Night 2026: Great as Usual!

Aug 10, 2026

I am sure I've written about this show many times in the past. But I can't specifically remember when. And I am on gin and tonic #2 so it is a Tanqueray day! So bear with me.

I make it an absolute must to go every year. This year was the 26th annual event and I've been going almost every August, since way back in 2003 or 2004, I think.

And it never disappoints. Since 2018, I usually go with my friend Jessica Grissom, a Mercer County local, but this year she had work commitments. So it was your author all by himself. Be afraid.

What I really love about this show is the wide, wide variety of cars and trucks and motorcycles and more on display.

I would say at least 60% of the cars that attend this show I see only at the show and never again. It attracts cars from all over.

I see Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri and even occasionally Kansas plates.

And as usual, there were several standouts.

The first car I really, really locked onto and tripped over my tongue when I saw it was this gorgeous red 1971 Pontiac Grand Ville convertible. Only about 1800 convertibles were made in ‘71.

Of course I love it. The Grand Ville was the Broughamiest Pontiac ever made and it was only made between 1971 and 1975, and the 71 with its massive pointy grille and tucked in small bumpers was probably the prettiest of the lot.

This ‘76 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Brougham was also a favorite.

My Aunt Candy, my mom's sister, had one just like this when I was a kid, but it was triple burgundy instead of triple blue.

And it was really nice. I love those lush, crushed velour seats. They remind me of bowtie pasta, ha!

But I went eek! When I saw the passenger side. No idea what happened but a shame. Was a really pretty car from the driver's side. But hey, it's still running and a source of pleasure for the owner.