It seems as though I always start out this column with some comments about the weather, etc. I’ve come to the conclusion the Maryland weather no longer exists. Either it’s rainy like the Northwest, too cool like Maine or it’s steamy like Florida… I guess maybe the adage if you don’t like the weather, just wait until tomorrow!
First order of business is the Real Man’s Yard Sale. It will occur on August 9 from 8am till 2pm up at the Markets of Shrewsbury. Vendor check ins can begin at 6:30am on Saturday or possibly Friday night, provided you contact us beforehand. 10×20 spaces are $30 or $40 after July 26, 10×50 spaces are $60 or $70 after July 26. There is an application in this magazine or you can choose to register online through our website savethehobby.org.
Now, I’m going to ruffle some feathers. I have attended each and every spring Cruisin Ocean City event since its inception. Jack and Sherry Henning came up with a fantastic idea all those years ago and their daughters continue or shall I now say, struggle to keep this event alive. I read on social media posts from whining car owners, that the town of Ocean City doesn’t want us there. Nothing could be further from the truth. This event brings an enormous amount of money to the town. What Ocean City doesn’t want is lawlessness and troublemakers in the form of burnouts, street racing and general mayhem. The greatest number of tickets and arrests down there are from non-registered participants. All you have to do is attempt to cruise north past 120th St for the next several blocks to see the problem. Businesses parking lots completely blocked, enormous crowds of people encouraging street racing, burnouts, etc. The cost to the town of Ocean City for the additional police support is exorbitant. Just imagine if all of those enthusiasts just cruised, open their hoods and talked about the common interest of cars and didn’t cause any trouble. The citizens wouldn’t be upset, because they are not in danger of being involved in an automobile accident… of which there are many caused by the shenanigans, not
to mention the ridiculous amount of noise all night from these folks racing up and down Coastal Highway. Don’t get me wrong, I am a car enthusiast through and through, and I love all kinds of hot rods, whether they are new or old. What I don’t love is the fact that these hooligans, young and old may bring an end to an outstanding event by their disregard for others. Leave your racecars home or exercise some effing self-control as an adult. The other alternative is take them to the track a short drive away in Delaware. Enough is enough… The tough conversation must be had and responsible hot rodders need to take a vocal stand to save this long running and beloved event!
I don’t want to be a Debbie downer, but responsible hot rodders must take a stand to eliminate the behavior that casts a bad shadow on all of us. The scary part is that this in particular, reminds me so much of what hot rodding went through back during its inception in the 40s. Anyone that had a hot rod was looked upon disparagingly. We need to put an end to this!!!!
Until next time… I’ll see you on the return road!
Doug