Classic Beauty

Story by Lauren Payne/Staff Writer Photos Contributed by Mike Wynn

Cruzin Grand and the Classic Car Show have been a longstanding part of Ponca City's event scene. The Classics Car Club started the events several years ago. After facing a decline in membership, they approached Mike and Krista Wynn of the Schooners Car Club to host the events five years ago.

Mike Wynn fell in love with classic cars at 16 with his first car, a 1950s Chevy. Krista Wynn has worked on cars with her Dad since she was a little kid. Together, they own 18 vehicles, nine classic cars, and one motorcycle. "It's pretty much been a lifetime passion,” Krista Wynn said. “Just like anybody that likes cars, we just enjoy being a part of it.” In recent years, Cruzin Grand has been held in conjunction with other community events like Ponca City Main Street's Battle of the Burger competition. This year there will be live music downtown as hundreds of Ponca City residents pack Grand Avenue. "We don't try to restrict anything going on," Krista continued. "Although we didn’t partner with the band or Ponca City Main Street for this year’s event, Ponca City Main Street always shows up for the city with something planned." In the wake of the Corona pandemic, the Wynn's held Cruzin Grand and the Car Show last June with record-breaking numbers. Friday night's Cruzin Grand averages 180-220 classic cars any given year because logistically, they can't fit more vehicles in the designated area, and more often than not, they're turning entries away. However, the Classic Car Show rivaled the previous years, increasing participant numbers from 40-60 to around 100 classic cars. Cars in attendance were from all over Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, and even New Mexico.

November 3, 2017 - Schooners Car Club with a donation to the automotive tech program at the Pioneer Technology Center

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"There were very few car shows within a 500mile radius last year. So, by June, everyone was ready to get out and show off their vehicles,” Krista said.

They're projecting numbers to similar to last year's, as well. "We received a lot of positive feedback from last year's events, so we're looking for a great turnout. We're hoping they'll return even if they have alternative options,” Krista added.

Cruzin Grand will be held Friday, June 4, from 6-10pm. Participants must enter a vehicle 25 years or older or a special interest vehicle. The Classic Car Show will kick off Saturday, June 5, from 8am-3pm at Lake Ponca. There's no restriction on what vehicles can be showcased at the car show. There will also be a swap meet where vendors can come out for free and sell automobile-related items.

The registration for Cruzin Grand is $10, and the Classic Car Show entry is $20. Part of the proceeds each year are donated to the Pioneer Technology Center's automobile department. In lieu of cash donations, the Wynn's purchase automobile-related items like oil, oil filters, and tools that are sometimes hard to procure with grant money. Schooner's Car Club holds monthly meetings open to any car enthusiast, not necessarily a classic car owner. They meet the second Tuesday every month at Lakeside Grill at 6pm. They also have a Schooner's Car Club Facebook page where you can follow for more information on upcoming meetings and events.