Classics will soon be cruising in to the Escalon area, with trips to nearby locations including Oakdale and Knights Ferry, as part of the Western Gaslight one- and two-cylinder Tour. The automobiles and their owners will be arriving next week and they have planned a day in the Main Street Park in Escalon with a luncheon on Tuesday, May 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“There will be automobiles form about 1904 to 1911,” said Don Ritchey, owner of the Horseless Carriage Garage in Escalon, serving as tour coordinator.

He anticipates upwards of three dozen vehicles and accompanying drivers and passengers, all coming in with their restored classics. They will visit his shop and the Escalon Historical Society Museum on Tuesday as well, along with having a catered box lunch in the park and visiting a nearby lavender farm.

“Wednesday (May 11) we will go to the Oakdale Cheese Factory and then head out to Knights Ferry to see the covered bridge,” Ritchey explained.

The tour, which will see the automobiles traveling in a group, should make quite a sight on the local highways.

“Thursday we will take back roads and head south, to Roberts Ferry,” said Ritchey.

Stops along the way during their time in the San Joaquin-Stanislaus region will include visits to the River’s Edge restaurant in Knights Ferry, the H-B Saloon in Oakdale, a banquet at the Oakdale Golf and Country Club and more. They will be in town throughout the week.

Ritchey, who said he just enjoys working on the cars and restoring them to pristine condition, said the group spends time sharing stories and enjoying the slower pace that the vintage vehicles allow.

More information is available by contacting Ritchey at his shop, 838-3206.