The 385 Cruisers came together for the 20th annual Thunder on the Prairie.
Cars from several states were present as well as those from the Panhandle. Central Park was filled with beautiful cars, trucks and vans. According to one of the event organizers, Mike McGinnis, there were approximately 150 entries.
Former Alliance resident John Weisgerber traveled to Alliance from Sterling, Colo., to take part in the event. He said he always attends the car show. Weisgerber brought his first car here in 2007 and has been here every year with it, except for one, when he blew the engine on the way. So he borrowed a family member’s Mustang and still made the trip.
Weisgerber is the proud owner of a 1972 Buick GS Staged Convertible. There were only 81 made. His car is always easy to spot, sitting next to it is a drive in speaker stand and speakers. When he purchased his car, it was in need of a lot of work, he noted. The motor was only half finished, it was in need of chrome and so many other things. His work definitely paid off.
He came to Alliance to cruise the Butte last year during the Covid cruises. He still has many family members in this area, and he participates in hometown events when he is able.
Weisgerber was happy to hear that his car was a class winner, and he was proud to say he had taken second place in the draft racing. Weisgerber said, “Draft racing is pretty cool. You’re side by side going slow enough that you can have a conversation with the person you are racing with.”
This annual event is hosted by the 385 Cruisers, who contribute much time and energy to organize a successful show for the Panhandle.