While last night's Tailgater's, Cruise Night Fundraiser for Hope Band Booster was a fun, friendly event for the whole family to enjoy, local youth took center stage and their infectious joy filled the atmosphere with cheer.

Saturday night's first Cruise Night of the season, sponsored by Plow Boys Car Club and Tailgater's, was already a much-anticipated event all on it's own; the entry of 46 automobiles in the car show can attest to that. However, the excitement was amplified with the addition of members from the Hope High School Band for a Band Booster Fundraiser. The Hope Jazz Band played a set outside Tailgater's while car enthusiasts strolled up and down the street admiring glossy paint jobs, powerful engines, and classic body styles. Inside Tailgater's, other band members worked for tips by delivering orders, cleaning tables, and assisting customers.

Julie Russell, Hope Band Booster President, said the Band Booster organization is newly -reformed, after a three year hiatus, and last night's fundraiser was another way for the students to earn funds for various necessities. "We are trying to raise money for the fall so we can supplement any funds that might not be covered by the school budget," Russell said. "For example, we want to provide meals for the students when they have to travel to events. This is our third fundraiser, the first and second being a cheesecake fundraiser and Chicken Express fundraiser, and we are just trying to raise awareness." Band Booster VP Wendie Crider said the Band Booster will try to have a different fundraiser each month so the kids can raise money.

Hope High School's Band Director, Chris Davis, said the night's event was successful because of support from the community. "I think its going very well, and the kids are enjoying themselves," Davis said. "There is a lot of support in the town for this, and the kids are loving getting to play outside."

The students did appear to thoroughly enjoy the event, in addition to learning a few new skills. Ninth grader and alto sax player Carter Berry said he and his fellow students were having a wonderful time. "I think its a good experience, raising money for our band, and it's also good preparation for when we get real jobs." Berry said the students received a warm welcome from members of the community who attended the event.

The band students weren't the only kiddos spreading the happy vibes though. Outside at the car show, little Adaline was not going to be outdone by all the big, fancy cars, so she scooted along in her very own pretty pink convertible, proving that even the smallest cars and drivers deserve some admiration.

Down the street, 17-year-old Sam Leslie was enjoying his very first entry into a car show with his '79 Camaro that he has been working on himself. His proud and delighted smile was a beacon for all who passed by. He said he didn't even know about the car show, but happened by at the right time, saw all the cars, and decided to check it out. He was glad he did. Leslie said he would definitely be back for another car show.

Tailgater's proprietor Sharon Caldwell and Plow Boys Car Club President Shane White both said the night had a great turnout and they were so pleased to be able to participate in the fundraiser. "These kids have done a fabulous job in here," Caldwell said. "They're learning how to do new things like make milkshakes, and they seem to be having fun working with customers. We, Plow Boys and Tailgater's, appreciate how everyone came together to help these kids."

White said participants enjoyed the music outside, and he was also appreciative of all who helped make the night a success, including the businesses who donate every month and help make Cruise Night a fun-filled event for families to enjoy. In addition to having free entry for all, Cruise Night has a free drawing for door prizes at the end of the night. This month's prizes were donated by Auto Zone, O'Reilly, El Agaves, McDonalds, and Plow Boy Club Members, providing lucky winners with multiple automobile accessories and gift cards.

Cruise Night occurs every fourth Saturday, from April to October, in downtown Hope outside Tailgater's from 6pm to 8pm. Any and all are welcome to attend and peruse the variety of automobile selections, and participants can bring their own cars to enter the show. The Hope Band Booster say to stay tuned for an upcoming hot dog and car wash fundraiser. For any of these soon-to-be events, if one can witness the amount of enthusiasm and delight taking place by the kids inside Tailgater's and out on Main Street last night, the upcoming summer is sure to be filled with plenty of fun activities for families in the community to enjoy.