ESCANABA – The final and 40th Krusin’ Klassics event, presented by Chatfield Machine/NAPA kicks off with the fun run parade tonight and the car show and swap meet on Saturday.

Registration for the parade begins at 9 a.m. in building 5 at the U.P. State Fairgrounds. The parade starts at 7 p.m.

The parade/fun run starts in Ludington Park, because of current construction, the cars will only utilize the south half of the park.

Cars featured are vintage, antique and special interest cars or trucks from the year 2000 or older.

From the park, the cars will ‘kruse’ down Ludington Street, before heading towards Stephenson Avenue to go to Gladstone. Some vehicles will go to Lake View Assisted Living to bring the fun to the residents.

After the fun run/parade, the cars meet back at the fairgrounds at 8 p.m. for dancing until midnight, featuring music by Grand Design.

In addition to the dance, there will be 50/50 raffles, a silent auction, and a 1980s-themed costume contest for cash prizes.

On Saturday, the fun continues as the gates at the fairgrounds open at 8 a.m.

It’s $5 for admission into the fairgrounds, but those 12 and under get in free. Veterans who show proof of service also get in for free.

Once inside, there are tons of actives for the everyone to enjoy.

There will be a bounce house for the kids, a petting zoo, food vendors, part vendors and a large swap meet.

From 12 to 4 p.m., head to the midway to listen to music by 3 Wheel Drive.

Be sure to purchase raffle tickets – $5 per ticket or five tickets for $20, as this year’s grand prize is a 1984 Hurst Oldsmobile, and ticket purchasers do not have to be present to win.

Additionally, the first car the group ever gave away in 1988, a 1941 Mercury Coupe, will be on display.

Money raised by the club goes to charities and organizations throughout Delta County, including Bay de Noc Community College, the Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, Walk for Warmth, Delta County Cancer Alliance, the robotics and baseball teams of local high schools, and more have all received donations raised by past fun runs.

Krusin’ Klassics President Mark Caswell, who has been with the group since its inception, estimated the club has given away over 50 cars and close to three-quarters of million dollars in donations to the community.

Krusin’ Classics certainly grew over the years, as the first year saw just 20 cars, but quickly grew to a current averages of 650 cars. Organizers are hoping to shatter that number, hoping for

800 to 1,000 cars to participate.

Caswell previously said he hopes to see a great turnout from the community for the final Krusin’ Classics event.

“We’ve made a lot of great friends over the years, and we’re hoping that they all go up and give us a good farewell,” he said.

For more information, visit www.krusinklassics.net, or on Facebook at Krusin Klassics.