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Cruise night season rolls into Mt. Pleasant with record turnout
Mt. Pleasant's first Cruise Night of 2025 packed the square with classic cars, roaring engines, and big crowds
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MT. PLEASANT — With chrome shining in the sun, engines humming in every key, and speakers pumping out classic rock 'n' roll, downtown Mt. Pleasant came alive Friday night as the 20th Century Car Club hosted its first Cruise Night of the summer — and its biggest yet.
An estimated 215 vehicles — ranging from vintage muscle cars and custom trucks to showroom-fresh sports cars and motorcycles — filled not just the city square but spilled into side streets and extra parking spaces.
“This cruise night was started in 1985 by Earl Reynolds, and we used one side of the square,” club treasurer Daryl Shy said. “We usually run around 125 to 150 cars, but this time we used two sides of the square and two side streets.”
Shy attributes the early May weather as a major factor behind the turnout.
“It was a beautiful night, beautiful day. People were ready to get their own cars out, and they came from all around,” he said. “Missouri, Illinois, Washington, New London, Danville, Muscatine — all over.”
The cruise officially began at 4:30 p.m., but cars rolled in earlier than that to snag good spots at the popular event. With so many showing up to show off their prized vehicles, Shy said one regular couldn’t even get his favorite spot in the shade when he showed up just in time.
Nevertheless, until the vehicles began to leave at 8:30 p.m., the Mt. Pleasant Square turned into a living museum of automotive art — and the conversations, memories, and admiration that came with it.
“There were about every make and model from the early ’50s to brand-new cars off the showroom floor,” Shy said. “Some paint jobs ranged from lemon-lime to jet black. Some were better and brighter than new, and some had original paint sanded down smooth with some primer showing through — what’s becoming a popular choice called the ‘patina look.’”
Under the hoods, the variety was just as dramatic.
“Motors ranged from 35 horsepower to one special build from Chicago that could be tuned to over 1800 horsepower at the touch of a button,” he said.
Inside the cars, outside of them, or under the hoods, every vehicle had a story — and owners were eager to share.
“One man told me this was his grandpa’s original car,” Shy said. “He said, ‘We’ve done nothing to it. Just got it out of the shop and we drive it all the time.’ Another guy bought a car online, brought it home, the motor went bad, and he told me everything about building a new one.”
Some cars were showpieces from major auctions like Mecum. Others barely ran but wore every dent and spot of rust with pride.
“There were cars where you wondered how they even got started,” Shy said, “but the owners were proud of what they had — and they liked to share.”
Club Vice President Mike Shelangoski, a longtime car enthusiast and photographer for the club, noted that the mood was electric, and the turnout marked a milestone for the monthly event.
“It was a very, very, very good turnout,” he said. “I believe it was the biggest one we’ve had for a May event. People were just so happy to get their cars out.”
A standout car for Shelangoski this year wasn’t an American muscle car; it was a sleek Audi R8, a white import vehicle with black accents and a rear-mounted engine that drew in many admirers.
“Normally, you think of Cruise Nights as American muscle and hot rods,” he said. “But this one was different. That Audi R8 really stood out.”
Visitors and car owners alike said one of the biggest reasons they come to Cruise Night is because they enjoy Mt. Pleasant itself.
“People like coming to Mt. Pleasant because of the atmosphere,” Shy said. “It’s free, it’s fun, and there’s something for everybody.”
The event’s impact isn’t just social — it’s economic. Shy noted that many families grab carryout meals or dine in at local restaurants before or after checking out the cars.
“I saw people sitting on benches having supper — they’d get a carryout meal at one of the cafés or restaurants and eat in the park,” he said. “It helps the businesses downtown, and we love that.”
The Mt. Pleasant square provided more than just a parking lot — it was a setting. With shade trees, park benches, and plenty of green grass, Central Park offered families a great place for kids to take a break while parents enjoyed the vehicles.
The 20th Century Car Club, which includes members from across southeast Iowa and neighboring states, is run by a small team of volunteers. Alongside Shy and Shelangoski, organizers include club president Alan Reynolds, secretary Ed Kopra, and other members who help set up and direct cars into position before each Cruise Night.
The event is free, open to all makes and models, and runs on the second Friday of each month through September. Remaining dates this year include June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, and Sept. 12, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
“There’s something for everybody,” Shy said. “Bright shiny cars, dull old ones, brand-new ones. People come to relive memories — of Grandpa’s truck, their high school car, or maybe something they’ve only seen in a magazine.”
Shelangoski agreed.
“All we need is good weather,” he said. “The rest takes care of itself.”
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
