Distanced fun: Car show May 9 will raise funds for Between the Cracks

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BURRILLVILLE – It’s a different kind of car show, with the dual purpose of raising people’s spirits, and raising funds for a worthy cause.

Burrillville resident Jim Weicherding has organized a classic car and truck show with a twist: the vehicles will cruise through Burrillville following social distancing rules in place to curb the spread of COVID 19.

The event, dubbed “Outlaw Run, Cruisin’ For Charity Cavalcade,” will take place on Saturday, May 9 starting at 10 a.m. Participants will start the run at Broncos Plaza on Route 102, staying inside their vehicles, and the procession will cruise through the streets of Burrillville. Cloth face coverings, also used to slow potential spread of the virus, will be “old western style.”

The vehicles will disband at the end of the cavalcade, and head safely home, with no face-to-face interaction. 

Funds raised will benefit Between the Cracks, a Burrillville-based organization that aims to help families in the community who need help, but don’t qualify for government assistance.

 Weicherding said he came up with the idea because he was concerned about groups losing money at a time when the help is most needed.

“Classic car and truck shows are being cancelled every week due to social distancing and hurting their charity causes, as well as lowering automotive enthusiasts’ spirits,” Weicherding said.

A town resident and public safety advocate, Weicherding said that in a normal year, he typically attends more than 100 charity car shows and cruise nights across New England and New York state, to raise awareness about the importance of things such as buckling up.

And he said the event is just the start of his plan to get the new type of car show back on the road.

“We (will) start hosting more… in other communities soon to help those charities and families in need as well,” Weicherding said.

Distancing rules will limit Weicherding, and his participants, to the state of Rhode Island, since anyone traveling out-of-state right now is ordered to self-quarantine for 14 days. Vehicles must be registered in Rhode Island to participate in the upcoming Outlaw Run.

More than 50 classic car and truck owners have already signed on to participate and the organizer said he expects many more to sign on once the word gets out. The route through Burrillville is not yet designated but will be published on NRI NOW once it is laid out. 

Weicherding said he expects the event to become an annual fundraiser for Between The Cracks.

“I am organizing for the remainder of this season until the end of October, and every year after this one,” Weicherding said. 

To register to take part, just email a photo of your classic vehicle  to Weicherding at jwpisces14@aol.com, with a note about who will be participating. 

“It’s for a good cause and should be a lot of fun for everyone involved,” Weicherding said. “Stay safe and stay healthy.”

Editor’s note: This event will be held on Sunday, May 24. View more information here.

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