The sunshine finally broke through the heavy canopy of cloud cover at 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon in Killarney, just in time for Cruise Night organizer, Keith Kemp, to give the green light that the final show 'n shine of the season would take place.
The clouds loomed all around them, but vintage vehicle enthusiasts came out and enjoyed the live entertainment, perusing the sweet rides of former days, and grabbing a burger at the same time thanks to the local fire department.
"My phone was ringing non-stop, and I told everyone I would make a decision at 3:00," said Kemp. "That little patch of blue sky was enough to say let's go!"
The mass of cloud that encroached on the town throughout the evening resembled a scene from the movie Hidalgo when a sandstorm was heading their way. Many kept one eye on musician Lyle Baldwin in front of the local Home Hardware, all the while keeping the other eye on the weather system moving in.
But the rain stayed away and folks had another relaxing evening visiting with neighbors and singing along to the familiar tunes of Johnny Cash, John Denver and Randy Travis.
And a few things caught our attention; this final cruise night featured more antique tractors than normal - which was great to see.
In the line-up, high school student Oscar DeCock, showcased his own sweet ride that he's been greasing and priming through the summer.
And classic car and vintage tractor enthusiast and well-known local photographer, Reg Sawatzky, brought his favorite ride from the Flywheel Club, a McCormick-Deering Standard-Tread Tractors WD-9 manufactured in 1954.
The other thing that caught participants' attention was how quickly it turned dark. Now in mid-September by the time folks were packing up, the vehicles were driving away with headlights on under shining streetlights.
As well, the leaves had changed color. Fall had set in right under our noses!
And thus ends the season for summer cruise night. Until next year, my friends :)