By Conrad Dudderar
Senior Staff Writer
A rising Yukon country music artist will perform in the inaugural “Cruise-In For A Cause” this fall on Yukon’s Main Street to benefit four local helping agencies.
A free outdoor concert featuring The Jason Young Band will be among highlights of the Route 66 car cruise on Thursday, Sept. 12 on West Main Street in Yukon.
Cruise-In For A Cause is presented by Yukon’s Best Main Street and the Yukon 66 Main Street Association.
“It’s going to be an incredible event,” Yukon Main Street Director Vicki Davis said. “We’re so excited.
“Cars will be cruising down Route 66 to benefit four causes in our downtown Yukon area – Compassionate Hands, Gateway Express Testing, Manna Pantry and Yukon Sharing Ministry.”
While the cruising cars will be the feature of Cruise-In For A Cause, Yukon’s Main Street director believes Jason Young and his band will be a big draw at this new event.
Young, who lives in Yukon, started his musical career working for Nashville recording artist Ty England.
The country artist released several CDs before forming the Jason Young Band in 2018 with Steven Adams on lead guitar, Ryan Gleason on bass, Chandler Austin on drums, Zach Sutton on keyboard and Jason Breed on fiddle. Their new CD is “900 Miles.”
“People say he’s the greatest up-and-coming country music talent since Garth Brooks,” Davis said.
There will be food trucks along Main Street for attendees at the Sept. 12 Route 66 cruise.
Cruise-In For A Cause will not be a typical “competitive car show”, Davis emphasized.
“There already are so many car shows out there,” she said. “We wanted to recreate a vision of yesterday with classic and muscle cars, and other vehicles lining the street.
“We just want people to come on out, meet with car owners and enjoy the cruise and concert.”
LEISURE, PASSIVE EVENT
Route 66 between Cornwell and Garth Brooks Boulevard will be closed to thru traffic between 6-9 p.m. Sept. 12 for this unique special event.
The area is being secured for public safety and to allow vehicles to cruise along Main Street in a relaxed atmosphere, according to Davis.
“Participating entries will be able to park along the street and cruise at their leisure,” she said. “This will very much be a passive event.”
All vehicle owners are welcome to participate in the Sept. 12 cruise.
“It is ‘open entry’,” Davis said. “We hope to see classics, muscles and such; and late models are welcome too.
“We’ve been reaching out to car clubs and visiting car shows to spread the word.”
Registration fee is $20 per entry by Sept. 6. After that day, the fee is $25.
“Fifty percent of the entry fees go to the cause of your choice,” Davis said.
Organizers hope to have at least 100 vehicles entered in this first-time Yukon Route 66 cruise.
Yukon Main Street businesses are being encouraged to stay open later than usual Sept. 12 to “drive” customers to their stores.
Vehicle owners can register in person at the Yukon Main Street office, 334 Elm, or on the
Yukon 66 Main Street Facebook page. On-site registration opens at 5 p.m. Sept. 12.
T-shirt sponsorships are $100 each. Special Cruise-In For A Cause T-shirts may be pre-ordered for a $5 discount.
A “Cruise Team” has been organized to plan and present next month’s big event, which will be two weeks after the annual “Rock the Route” on Main Street.
The team is comprised of downtown merchants, car enthusiasts, community volunteers, City of Yukon representatives, and the local charitable causes.
“The Cruise Team is open to everybody and we’re always looking for people who want to help,” Davis said.
The group meets at 3 p.m. each Wednesday at the Miller Grill, 326 Elm in Old Mill Plaza.
For more information, call 350-5999 or email mainstreet@cityofyukon.gov.
