Franklin Cruise-In Finale evokes pre-COVID era
Published 5:44 pm Wednesday, October 12, 2022
An elevated vantage point offers this look at the Franklin Cruise-In Finale on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in downtown Franklin. Organizers estimated that the event featured close to 300 vehicles. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Tony Miller presents his 1925 Ford Model T into which he has poured a lot of work during the 25 years he has owned it. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Cruising through the Franklin Cruise-In Finale are, from left, Tiffany Lilly, Dodge Lilly and C.J. Lilly. With a remote control, C.J. controls the small Lamborghini that 14-month-old Dodge is riding in. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Holding for a photo in front of one of the cars on display at the Franklin Cruise-In Finale are, from left, Jeremiah Achor, Charlie Harrell and Amanda Greene, all of whom traveled from Chesapeake to attend. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Jenn Waters poses for a photo with her son, Jaxson Waters, as they explore the cruise-in. They came from Gates County, North Carolina, to see the vehicles on display. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Buddy Butler poses with the fiery 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle that he brought to the finale. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Darren James has dedicated significant time and energy toward modifying and upgrading this 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, which he has owned for five years. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
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The 2022 Franklin Cruise-In Finale was embraced by people in the community and beyond as downtown Franklin featured a crowd Saturday, Oct. 8, that organizers said was similar to pre-COVID times.
As for how many vehicles were involved in this year’s event, Franklin Cruise-In organizer Mike Smith said, “We believe it was close to 300,” noting that it is difficult to get a true count since it is a cruise-in, meaning people come and go and registration is not required.
“Our largest number was 417, and that was pre-COVID,” he said. “Now, I think the fear of COVID is over, so people are looking to get out, looking to do things, and so we’re starting to see a larger number of people coming to visit downtown Franklin again, and that’s really our goal is to bring people to downtown Franklin, see our town, visit our businesses and enjoy them and show the people from around the other areas what we have to offer.”
Saturday’s weather played a helpful role in making the finale a success.
“We couldn’t have asked for anything better,” Smith said. “(There) was no chance of rain. Cloud cover kept it a little cool, so there were no overheating issues like we’ve had during the year, so the weather was absolutely perfect for it.”
The eighth annual Franklin Cruise-In season began May 7 and continued on Wednesday evenings, culminating in Saturday’s finale.
