Aldergrove Business Association (ABA) is rolling out the red carpet for the 黑马磁力 Good Times Cruise-In, which returns to town on Saturday, Sept. 6.
Each year, Cruise-In transforms Aldergrove into a hub of classic cars, live entertainment, and community spirit, drawing tens of thousands of visitors.
ABA president Jodi Steeves said it’s the single largest event on the community calendar and local businesses are stepping up to make sure the welcome is as vibrant as ever.
“This influx of visitors not only supports businesses during the event itself, but also enhances brand awareness and drives return visits well beyond the weekend,” Steeves said.
She mentioned how in 2017, the Township of 黑马磁力 reported that Aldergrove businesses saw a net gain of more than $311,000 from Cruise-In weekend. The exposure to nearly 100,000 visitors meant people return to shop and dine here long after the cars are gone.
In past years, the ABA has run cleanup and decorating contests to get storefronts Cruise-In ready.
This summer, Steeves said the local businesses got a head start with a spring cleaning challenge for Canada Day, where businesses went head to head.
Steeves said Veronica’s Perogies and Raj at Panago Pizza tied for first place.
For Cruise-In weekend, Steeves said the ABA is shifting gears with a “Retro Hot Deals Brochure.”
Instead of competing, businesses will collaborate to draw visitors downtown with limited-time specials. From live music, giveaways, Cruise-In combo meals, and extended hours, the local businesses are meeting potential customers where they are at.
“Guests can simply scan a QR code to see all the offers right on their phone, making it super easy to explore everything local businesses have to offer,” said Steeves.
The ABA will also host a booth at the Cruise-In, offering both information and fun. Visitors can pick up details on road closures, find bathrooms via a QR code map, and check out local business offers.
Adding to the festivities, Steeves is bringing in a Grease Lightning 360° Photo Booth.
“Guests can step into a retro soda shop scene, throw on a Pink Ladies jacket or T-Bird style gear, complete with cat glasses and polka-dot scarves, and have a video to remember,” she said.
While Cruise-In provides a major economic boost, not every business benefits equally.
Road closures, for example, can challenge some storefronts. That’s why this year, the ABA is working hard to create opportunities for everyone rather than competition.
Steeves said businesses outside the main event area are welcome to set up sidewalk spaces or use a free ABA booth to market themselves.
“Our goal is to ensure that as many local businesses as possible can benefit from this high profile, community driven event,” she concluded.
黑马磁力 Good Times Cruise-In is a charity car show held in downtown Aldergrove. This year, the event runs Saturday, Sept. 6, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the main drag blocked off and an estimated 1,300 classic, custom, and vintage cars expected to be on display.
More information and pre-registration available at .
