N.W. Cruisers share interest in PT Cruisers

Car clubs are usually founded on the love of vintage vehicles.

N.W. Cruisers is an exception. This club is built around the love of a car first introduced in the United States in 2001: Chrysler’s PT Cruiser.

“Our club isn’t for kids. It’s not about doing things to your car,” said Jerry Smith, N.W. Cruiser area coordinator. “If you’re looking for a new group of friends, then this club is for you.”

The club offers events such as barbecues, scavenger hunts, parades and an anniversary cruise in the fall.

“This year we are traveling to Penticton, B.C., for the Okanogan Fall Wine Festival,” said Smith. “The three-day event includes a wine tour and steam train ride.”

The club meets monthly with many events planned throughout each month. The calendar of events is decided by group discussion and geared for everyone.

Currently the club’s chapter is more than 100 members strong. Members travel from Electric City, Wilbur, Davenport, Harrington, Reardan, Spokane and the Coeur d’Alene area to join in club activities. Members range from the early 30s to the 70s.

“We have a number of couples who have his and her cars,” Smith said. “But owning a car isn’t necessary to join.

“The club has had people join just to find out more about the vehicle.”

N.W. Cruisers is the Spokane Chapter of the National P.T. Cruiser Club. The Northwest region consists of Washington, Oregon and Idaho. The national headquarters is in Long Beach, California.

There are more than 300 members in Washington state and more than 5,000 members worldwide.

Along with social activities, the N.W. Cruisers donates time to community service. Last year, the club collected teddy bears and other stuffed toys for the Sheriff’s Office. In December, they collected donations of stuffed animals, toys, blankets, diapers and canned food for the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery.

On July 31, a fund-raiser is planned for the Shawn Higgins Memorial and the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery. The event will be held at Big Daddy’s at the Lincoln Heights Shopping Center from noon to 4 p.m. Planned events include a Show and Shine and Trunk Display Competition. There will also be food and other games.

Smith and his wife, Sue, bought their first P.T. cruiser in September 2001 and joined the national club. They decided to become area coordinators when they found there wasn’t a local chapter.

They had a meeting at their home in October 2001 with 15 people and created a charter. Once the charter was complete, they sent it to the national club, and they were officially chartered in January 2002.

“It’s a great bunch of folk,” said Smith. “We are a family of friends.”