Showers moisten ‘End of Summer Cruise-in’

See why a little rain didn’t dampen the spirits of those who came and enjoyed this annual outer East Portland car show in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood …

Although car owners and visitors had to dodge passing rain showers, the 2017 End of Summer Cruise-in attracted many both exhibitors and guests.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Dark rain-threatening clouds and passing showers didn’t cancel the 2017 End of Summer Cruise-in, in the Pizza Baron parking lot on September 19, but it did lessen the turnout a bit.

In past years, as many as 150 vehicles registered for judging. This year, even with a pending showers, the owners at least 80 antique, vintage, custom and specialty vehicles registered their vehicles, wiped down their cars, and started to mingle.

Cruise-in impresario Bill Dayton shows off his 1953 Studebaker V-8 Avanti, together with his son, Jeff Dayton, wife Lori Dayton, and Jeff’s kids, Madison and McKenzie.

“The End of Summer Cruise-In has become a long-standing tradition here in the mid-County area for decades,” reflected longtime outer East Portland restaurateur Bill Dayton of Pizza Baron.

“So many car club members continue to support this,” Dayton added, “that it makes it enjoyable to host the cruise-in each year,” he told East Portland News.

A look of concern came over Dayton’s face as another brief band of showers swept across the parking lot.

After a passing shower, Kevin Ernst polishes his custom, totally-rebuilt 1970 Chevelle.

The Endless Summer Band returns, playing the hits of yesteryear.

But, the “house musicians” for the cruise-in, who have come to be known as “The Endless Summer Band”, kept playing as the showers passed, and visitors and owners continued to look over the vehicles.

Trophies were in abundance – nearly one for each class and category of entry at the cruise-in.

Winner of the “Pizza Baron Grand Award” is Fred Wunsch, showing off his 1939 Ford Deluxe two-door sedan.

The day demonstrated that it takes more than sprinkles to put an end to summer, in outer East Portland.

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