The Noble County Cruzers host an annual Fourth of July car show at the Noble County Fairgrounds to raise money for local 4-H camps, veterans, domestic violence shelters and more. The organization is guided by its founder, Steve Hall, who was deeply committed to giving back to the community when he formed the car club in 2010.
Donna Shimer, who was the Cruzers’ president for several years, recently stepped down from the leadership role, passing the reigns to Eddie Gillespie. Both have been involved with the Cruzers for over a decade.
The Cruzers’ Fourth of July car show shirts have become a collector’s item in Caldwell, with attendees lining up early each Independence Day to get their hands on the newest designs. Each shirt features the previous year’s winners in “Best Car” and “Best Truck.”
“I could tell you stories about every one of them,” Shimer says, looking at a quilt with previous years’ car show shirts.
At a typical Fourth of July car show, one can expect a classic chicken dinner, free water and unbiased judging. “Finding a good judge is hard,” Gillespie says. The group must make a diligent effort to find car show judges from across the region who give all cars a fair shot: Fords, Chevys and Hondas alike.
It’s also important for Shimer and Gillespie to nourish young people’s interest in cars and get them involved in their community.
“It’s hard to get the younger generation excited,” Shimer says. “I try to get excited for them so they can grow their interest in cars … There’s something special about working on an old antique car.”
Every year, Shimer and Gillespie strive to surpass their previous donation records. In the past, the Cruzers consistently gave $2,000 to local 4-H Camps from the profits raised at the Fourth of July car show and donations.
This effort is guided by the organization’s founder. Even when poor weather affected attendance, Shimer says Hall would silently take cash out of his own pocket to make up the difference.
“That’s just how Steve Hall was,” Shimer says. In recent years, as participation has grown, the group has given closer to $3,000, a testament to the foundation Hall built.
The Cruzers’ dedication to supporting their community is what keeps members and sponsors coming back year after year, according to Shimer and Gillespie. Beyond their public service initiatives, members of the car club provide a support system for one another. Whether they’re grieving a loss or celebrating a win, the Cruzers have built a strong circle of support.
“We’re not just showing cars and burning rubber on the road; we’re here to help the whole community,” Shimer says.