The good times rolled

KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 months AGO

Hundreds of classic cars rolled along Sherman Avenue Friday night during the annual Car d'Lane cruise.
KAYE THORNBRUGH/Press

Jerry Parker shows off Anastasia, a 7-feet-long Colombian red-tailed boa.

Amanda Walt and Justin Petersen ride with the top down in a 1967 Mustang.

Thousands line the streets of downtown Coeur d'Alene during the classic car cruise.

Kids toss candy to cheering crowds downtown.

Young ladies wave to the crowd as they cruise down Sherman Avenue.

A car does a trick during the Car d'Lane cruise.

Spectators leap into action, pushing a car during the Car d'Lane cruise.

A pair of eyes peer out from the hood of a rat rod.

Hundreds of classic cars roll along the cruise route Friday night.

Jerry Parker shows off Anastasia, a 7-feet-long Colombian red-tailed boa.

Engines roared Friday night in downtown Coeur d’Alene.

So did the crowds, just as loudly.

Thousands lined the streets to watch the classic car cruise that kicked off Car d’Lane, now in its 35th year.

Among the drivers was Justin Petersen of Coeur d’Alene, behind the wheel of a ‘67 Mustang. The car has its original paint job, a golden brown color that shines in the sun.

Petersen’s grandmother is the owner.

“I talked Grandma into letting me use the car,” he said before the cruise Friday night. “It was really easy. She wanted it shown off.”

Petersen was all too happy to take the Mustang out for its first Car d’Lane cruise.

His favorite thing about the classic car? That’s easy.

“That it’s a convertible,” he said with a grin.

Since its inception in the '90s, Car d’Lane has become a beloved Father’s Day tradition for families across North Idaho, whether they’re admiring classic cars or showing them off.

This year, Coeur d’Alene resident Chet Parker brought out the stylish red '57 Chevy Cameo pickup he inherited from his father about four years ago. The truck is the first model to have a smooth bed that extends to the outer edges of the vehicle, called a “fleetside” design.

Before Parker inherited the car, it sat unused for many years.

“I got a chance to get her back on the road,” Parker said.

In the cab with Parker was friend Mack Valentine, riding in her first Car d’Lane cruise.

“This is amazing,” she said. “You see all these beautiful, well-kept cars. It brings you back to your childhood.”

“It really does,” Parker said.

Drivers and passengers waved like royalty during the cruise, delighting the crowds with more than just beautiful cars. Flames jetted from tailpipes, horns blared and cars bounced along Sherman Avenue and on down the cruise route. Some passengers tossed candy to waving children.

Those participating in the cruise got just as much enjoyment as spectators.

“It’s terrific to watch little kids get excited,” said Margaret Band, who rode alongside husband Ted.

The husband and wife have cruised at Car d’Lane for the past five years. While they enjoy seeing other classic cars, what’s even better is chatting with fellow car enthusiasts before the cruise.

“It helps to spur on young people who may be wanting to do the same thing,” she said.

Car d’Lane continues today with the Show and Shine from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Coeur d’Alene. More than 400 classic and unique cars will be on display.