SYRACUSE — The threat of rain may have kept some vehicle owners and enthusiast away, but for those die hard vehicle buffs, the threat didn’t pose a problem Friday night at the Syracuse American Legion Post 223 Cruise In.

The Legion members wanted to keep the annual May tradition alive, after the Syracuse-Wawasee Kiwanis announced they would no longer host the annual Friday night cruise in and annual car, truck and motorcycle show in February. Efforts by Legion members, Legion Riders, Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary were welcomed by participants and spectators.

“We’re happy,” said Randy Rinker, one of the coordinators. “If there was guaranteed sunshine we would have at least a third more.” he stated. Participants arrived from Leesburg, Warsaw, Goshen, New Paris, Ligonier, Syracuse, Cromwell and Milford. “We have more vehicle’s than we expected with the weather.”

Over 50 cars, trucks and motorcycles of all makes and models and years arrived at the show which was held in front of the American Legion. Over 100 people came to take a look at the various vehicles.

Spectators saw Challengers, Corvettes, Willies, Coronet, Mustangs, GTO’s Jeep, Nash, Thunderbirds, Cougar, Dusters, Cuda, Lemans, Studebaker, BelAirs, BMW, Nova’s, Volkswagon, Shelby Cobra, Ferrari, Celica’s, Camaros and more. Ford and Chevy trucks were displayed as well as Harley Davidson and Indian motorcycles.

No one went hungry either as there were sloppy Joes, chips, hotdogs, and beverages. Music was provided throughout the evening by DJ Ray.

Rinker stated this will become an annual event on the Friday before Memorial Day weekend.