The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

The eighth annual Blaine County Cruise has a full slate of events planned for the weekend as activities get underway Friday afternoon at 5:00 p.m. with registration taking place at the Blaine County Fairgrounds.

The Cruise welcomes everyone to participate in the weekend activities, “It’s a real family first event, we don’t turn anyone down,” said Cruise Secretary Allan Pula. “Drive what ever you want.”

The cruise is open to anyone with a vehicle. The club prides itself on being family-friendly. Bring the kids, the emphasis is on fun and fellowship, not how shiny or fancy the vehicles are. One club member said, “We are not a ‘shine and show’ club. We like to drive and enjoy the vehicles we have.”

Those who register for the Cruise will have a chance to earn a $1,000 Grand Prize by collecting points throughout the Cruise. Challenges and games will be held at stops in Malta, Dodson, the VFW in Harlem and the old Spa in Zurich,

One of the staples of the Cruise is the Drive-In movie each night at the Blaine County Fairgrounds. Friday night the movie will be Snake and Mongoose with concessions provided by the Chinook FFA. Everyone is invited to attend the movie whether your going on the Cruise or not.

Saturday morning there will be a community breakfast held at the Fairgrounds from 7-9 with the Blaine County 4H Foundation will be hosting the event.

Registration will continue Saturday morning from 7-8:30. At 9 a.m. the Cruise will begin and head directly to Malta where Cruisers will get a chance to run their vehicle down Malta’s Drag Racing strip.

“We did it a couple years ago and it was a good time,” said Matt Langford of the Blaine County Cruisers. “Everyone will get a chance to race down the strip a few times and participation in the event counts towards the $1,000 Grand Prize. The event is timed but participation is the only requirement to receive points.

The games and challenges are generally good spirited events. This years contest are still unclear, “It’s kind of a surprise this year but everyone can participate,” said Langford.

Each registered vehicle receives a ‘Punch Card” that keeps track of competitions they have done and points they have accumulated, “Everyone can play, each vehicle gets one punch card and at the end of the day their scores are tallied up,” added Langford.

The competition is pretty loose with fun being the main goal.

Upon their return to the Blaine County Fairgrounds in Chinook there will be a dinner beginning at 7 p.m. and everyone is invited to attend whether you went on the Cruise or not.

Following the dinner a Live and Silent Auction will be held as will the Awards presentation will be held and the Grand Prize winner will be announced.

Saturday nights movie will be ‘Need for Speed”. Movies both nights are scheduled to begin at dark, around 10 p.m.

You can get additional information about the cruise and related activities at the club’s website: http://www.blainecountycruise.com. Information, registration forms and answers to questions are available at these member businesses in Chinook: Jamieson Motors; American Garage and Top Dog Performance. In Havre, cruise details at Duchscher Agency