20-05-2025
Somernites May show will collect donations for tornado victims, first responders
Somernites Cruise Executive Director Keith Floyd will be the first to tell you it's the community that makes the classic and custom car show the success that is. This weekend is an opportunity for the Cruise to give back to the community.
The Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief Team is working with the Cruise at Saturday's show to help raise money to help those who have been impacted by last Friday's tornado that destroyed homes and businesses here in Somerset and resulted in one death in this county, with more in neighboring Laurel County.
Floyd said that people attending the May Cruise can stop by the Disaster Relief tent to give monetary donations as they're able. In addition to helping those affected by the storms, the money will also go to feed and take care of the first responders who have been working around the clock to help the community get back on its feet.
"We humbly ask that those who attend come prepared to give," read a post from Monday on the Cruise's Facebook page. "The Somernites Cruise Management Team will be making a donation as well to help this great organization who has helped so many. We also ask that you keep those impacted and those helping in your prayers."
Floyd praised the efforts of the first responders and volunteers, and everyone else who has pitched in to help the tornado victims recover in the event's aftermath.
"It's always tragic when something like this happens, but it always makes you proud when you see the community come together the way this community has," he said. "... It makes us proud to be Pulaski Countians, and that's one of the reasons we do what we do, to support the (community.)"
The cars may take a back seat in spirit to the fundraising efforts at this month's cruise, but they're still the highlight, and this May, Floyd said they're switching things up: Instead of the "Mopar Mania" showcase Cruise fans might expect, May will feature the "Camaro/Chevelle/Nova" showcase that was held in June last year.
"The Camaro of course is Chevrolet's answer to the (Ford) Mustang — that's truly what started the Pony Car wars," said Floyd. "... That rivalry between Ford and Chevrolet has been ... woven into the classic car culture, and we felt like they deserved their time to shine. We've incorporated the Chevlles and the Novas because they're all Chevrolet vehicles, and they all have their versions of the muscle cars and classic cars."
There will also be a special display this month of Pace cars — which are used to lead the pack during a car race to control speeds — most of which are replicas from the Indianapolis 500, said Floyd.
"They're always just a neat, unique collectible vehicle, and we've never highlighted them before," said Floyd. "We thought it would be a good time to do that."
One special display that's much more familiar to Cruisegoers will be the eighth-annual "Circle the Wagons" showcase of vintage station wagons as part of Saturday's show in downtown Somerset.
"That's always a crowd favorite," said Floyd. "... They just reek of nostalgia. Some of us grew up in the back of a station wagon."
The Cruise was originally scheduled to host for the second time the National Eastern Meet for the "First Generation Monte Club" but they cancelled this week because of lodging concerns following the tornado, noted Floyd. "We hate that but we understand their decision and respect that," he said.
If conditions permit, given its proximity to the area where the tornado hit and the lack of electricity in the vicinity, the Friday Night Thunder Block Party may still be held at the Somerset Mall from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, said Floyd; Cruise fans are advised to keep an eye out for updates on Somernites Cruise's social media pages. More certain to be held is the Burnside Meet & Greet on Friday morning, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cole Park.
The usual "Rattlesnake Run" on Ky. 192 won't take place this month because of road conditions following the tornado, but they may try a "Fun Run" from Cole Park at 2 p.m. Friday to Cumberland Falls. The regular Saturday "Fun Run" will not take place this month. Again, fans are advised to follow the Somernites Cruise Facebook page for updates.
The actual Somernites Cruise main showcase takes place Saturday in downtown Somerset from noon until 6 p.m. Drivers will then go to U.S. 27 to "cruise the strip" as far as possible, since part of the highway around where the tornado hit has been limited to traffic since Friday night.
Despite the challenging conditions, Somernites Cruise carries on. Floyd said he received a large number of calls, text messages and emails following the tornado wanting to know if the Cruise would still be going on this month and what they could do to help.
"They've all told me, almost to the person, how much they love Somerset and the community, and they want to help because they've had such a good time here, and people in Somerset have always made them feel welcome, and they want to give back," said Floyd. "That (says a lot) about our community, that people want to come do that for us."
