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McQueen said, is its familyfriendly, festival-esque approach.
“ The Cumberland Valley Cruise In is a little mixture of a car show, petting zoo, and inflatables for kids— kind of like a little festival,” he said.“ We’ ve got vendors, craft booths— a little bit of everything for everybody.” In addition to rows of classic and custom vehicles, the event features live DJ Gary’ s Sound Machine, door prizes and cash prizes, face painting, and a trackless train operated by Hillview Stables. Local volunteer fire departments and churches frequently participate, helping run booths and activities throughout the day.
“ When I took it over, I wanted it to be something that my kids could go to— not just a car show, but
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I wanted it to be more of a festival style,” McQueen said.
This year, the Cruise In will be held in downtown Corbin on Main Street on May 9, June 13, and July 11, running from 10 a. m. to 2 p. m. The final event— on October 10, doubling as an Oktoberfest celebration— will begin at 10 a. m. and run until 5 p. m. While the format of each event remains similar, the October Cruise In is typically the largest of the year.
“ It’ s exactly what you’ d think a fall festival would be like,” McQueen said.“ It’ s probably our biggest event every year.”
Attendance has remained strong and only continues to grow, with McQueen estimating foot traffic between 2,500 and 4,000
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people at each Cruise In. Vehicle participation usually ranges from 200 to 350 entries per show. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even tractors are welcome to participate. Many of the same drivers return year after year.
“ Over the years, it’ s kind of turned into a little family of people,” McQueen said.“ We see a lot of old timers and we see a lot of new folks that come in.”
Participants who want to be part of the show enter through the gates near Corbin’ s Fifth Street in front of Hardee’ s, where volunteers help direct them to a parking space. Once parked, drivers check in at the registration table to receive a car number. Registered vehicles are eligible for door prizes
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throughout the day. The Cruise In has also drawn participants from far beyond Whitley County. McQueen said vehicles have arrived from surrounding counties as well as from Tennessee, Virginia, Arizona, Florida, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
One of the most recognizable vehicles at the show belongs to McQueen himself. Growing up, he spent time around car shows and watching The Dukes of Hazzard, where he developed a fascination with the General Lee. As an adult, he saved up to purchase his own version of the iconic car, which he now displays at Cruise In events. McQueen has also toured with some of the show’ s cast members at other events.
The Cruise In is made
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