The Escalon Lions Club is planning a series of three summer night ‘Car Cruises’ ahead of their annual show in September, reducing the schedule from the normal every Friday night event.

Hosted for several years at Hula’s on Jackson Avenue, this year’s ‘pre-event’ cruises will be staged in the city’s Main Street Park and are planned for one Friday night in May, June and July. The annual Autumn Cruise is scheduled in September.

The first of the three Friday night summer sessions is set for this Friday, May 25. Hours are 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and there is no entry fee; those interested can just bring their classic cars to the Main Street Park for an evening of music, shop talk and looking over the classics.

“We also will have shows on Friday, June 15 and Friday, July 20,” said Lions Club member Ralph Lyda. “The big show will be on Saturday, Sept. 8.”

Taking over as chairperson this year for the Autumn Cruise is Mike Powers; he can be reached at 209-380-3190 for more information about the pre-event Friday night shows or the actual Autumn Cruise.

Lyda said they anticipate good participation in the Friday night gatherings and are also looking forward to another successful September show, which helps raise funds for scholarships for graduating Escalon High School seniors.

“Last year we gave out 15 scholarships, at $1,500 apiece,” Lyda said. “That’s what this car show does.”