The Friday night summer phenomenon of ‘Pre-Cruise’ car shows adjacent to Hula’s on Jackson Avenue in Escalon continues to draw big crowds.

The shows are a precursor to the annual Autumn Cruise hosted by the Escalon Lions Club each September. This year’s show is set for Saturday, Sept. 10 in the city’s Main Street Park and proceeds benefit Escalon High School scholarships, with several thousand dollars given away to students each year by the Lions Club.

This past Friday night, though temperatures were close to the 100-degree mark, about three dozen autos were on display and people were there to share information about their rides, the restoration process and more.

“I’ve been here every Friday so far,” said Andy Rodrigues of Modesto, displaying a purple 1935 Ford. “I enjoy the people and it’s a good pastime.”

Chuck and Sherry Toulou of Riverbank were enjoying the Friday night gathering as well and have had their 1956 Corvette entered in parades and have attended other shows in the area.

Also attending Friday night, displaying his ’49 Ford, was Escalon resident Joe Mecleary, who said it took about “10 years from inception” to restore the vehicle.

He said he tries to attend the Friday shows a couple of times a month and really enjoys visiting with the people and seeing the variety of cars and trucks on display.

The show has been well attended most weeks, and Lion Doug George, one of the coordinators for this year’s Cruise, said there are trophies given away each Friday night along with some raffle prizes and a 50-50 drawing.

“These people love to do this kind of thing,” George said of gathering to share their automobiles.

DJ Gene Adams kept the tunes flowing and also highlighted some upcoming car shows around the region, including the fourth annual Fallen Heroes Car Show, with proceeds going to the Peace Officers Memorial Group of Stanislaus County. That show will be Saturday, Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Regional Training Center, 3805 Cornucopia Way, Modesto.

George added that pre-registration for Escalon’s Autumn Cruise is a little ahead of last year’s total and they are anticipating another successful show in September.

Auto enthusiasts from Tracy, Manteca, Modesto and more make the Friday night gathering at Hula’s a regular stop and some evenings have included over 60 vehicles on display.

“Hopefully we have a big turnout for September,” George said.