Numbers were down slightly – with just a handful under 300 cars on display – but the 24th edition of the Escalon Lions Club Autumn Cruise nonetheless went off well on Saturday, Sept. 9.

The weather was the best it has been in the past few years, with sunny skies, moderate temperatures – they didn’t reach triple digits – and a light breeze. Visitors and classic car owners jammed the city’s Main Street Park for the event.

Tracy resident John Phillips, who had his 1966 Pontiac GTO on display, was pleased with the show.

“I’ve never come to this show before, it’s my first time here but I have done five or six other shows ... this is the best one,” Phillips said. “I like the atmosphere, the venue, the shade. I’ll be back next year.”

His vehicle was set up next to Greg Benes of Modesto, who had his 1967 Camaro on display.

“My neighbor told me about this show and I think it’s very nice,” Benes said.

There were more makes and models on display than you could count … rows and rows of classic, most shined to a polished perfection, drawing admirers and giving auto enthusiasts plenty to talk about during the course of the day.

Kathy Briggs of Escalon attended with her husband Patrick. She was staying with their 1968 Chevy Corvette on display while he went to look at some of the other entries.

“The weather is awesome today,” Kathy said. “I get to bring something to read and my computer to get some work done. He enjoys the show; we have to support each other, we’ve been married for 30 years. We’ve been to shows in Modesto, Copperopolis.”

There were also plenty of raffle prizes to take a chance on, the Mid-Cal Blue Star Moms had a booth there with information. They meet at 6 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at Mountain Mikes in Escalon – the next meeting will be Sept. 14 – and are getting packages together to send to troops overseas.

The Lions Club served up lunch, there were cool treats available, a treasure chest for those that wanted to purchase keys to take a chance on winning a prize, while DJ Gene Adams provided the music and commentary.

Co-organizer John Salvin said while they fell a little short on participants from last year, he was still pleased with the overall show and said the event was well-attended and those that came seemed to enjoy themselves.

“It was a good show,” he said.

Proceeds from the annual car show benefit Escalon High School scholarships for graduating seniors.