Colfax Cruise keeps tradition alive

September 16, 12:12 PMDenver Motorsports ExaminerChristine Jerritts

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The notion of cruising is often misunderstood by young people today as just a show and tell for fancy cars, but in fact the tradition originated as more of a social adventure.  Teenagers in cars ranging from clunker family station wagons to high class hot rods drove up and down the main street drags to visit hot dog and burger stands, listen to music and visit with friends.  The Old Car Council of Colorado aims to keep the social tradition alive with their annual Colfax Cruise event.

Colfax Avenue - the longest continuous city street in the country - was a wildly popular cruising destination back in the 50s and 60s.  The avenue will come to life again this Saturday September 19 from 2-7 pm.  Car enthusiasts of all ages and representing all types of vehicles from modern to vintage and mild to wild are encouraged to join in the cruise.  Eight locations along Colfax between Aurora and Lakewood are designated as special Festival stops, plus keep an eye out for more than 100 businesses that are “red balloon” sponsors offering sales and specials throughout day.  Details on the festival stops are outlined on the Cruise Website.

Organizer Dick Thompson also suggests packing a picnic lunch and a few lawn chairs, then pick a viewing spot along Colfax to watch the spectacle of cars go by.  If previous years are any indication, as many as 5,000 cars will participate in the event.

Mazda of Lakewood has added a car show and charity fund raiser to the mix.  Canned and non-perishable food will be collected at the dealership in support of the Denver Rescue Mission.  Details on how you can donate or participate in the show are on the dealership's website.

The event is organized by the Old Car Council of Colorado (OCCC), an organization developed to protect the interests of automotive hobbyists.  The council represents 60 car clubs including more than 3,000 members.  According to the council website, the purpose of the OCCC is "to support sound legislative and regulatory actions and to defend vigorously the rights and privileges of the old car and special interest auto hobbies to use the public highways, byways, and streets in Colorado.”  To get involved or learn more about how the club impacts legislation visit www.oldcarcouncil.org.