The 27th annual Southern Cruisers Spring Classic Car Show will help provide funds for two area families with children suffering serious health challenges.
The car show set for Saturday, March 24, at the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fairgrounds brings participants from all across the region to display their cars, trucks, motorcycles and tractors, whether they are restored classics or customized newer models. The nonprofit organization's charity show raises money each year for special needs families, and this year, Jenkins County teen Macallin Thomas and Screven County infant Haleigh Jayde Cail will benefit from the proceeds, said Gary Oglesby, Southern Cruisers vice president.
Macallin, 18, suffered extensive injuries in June when he was involved in a wreck that killed another person in the car in which he was traveling. His father Steve Thomas said his son has endured 28 surgeries and will be in the hospital for yet another surgery during the car show, having a procedure to reattach his bowels. Macallin suffered a broken back, neck, leg and jaw in the crash, but he is a fighter and "he has come a long way and has a long way to go," his father said. He also experienced aneurisms and stomach surgeries. Doctors gave Macallin a 5 percent chance of living after the wreck, but he has amazed them with his determination, he said.
Macallin lives in Jenkins County but has attended school in Portal all his life.
Haleigh Jayde Cail is an 8-month-old Screven County baby with a twin sister named Wrenleigh Slayd. They are identical twins, but only Haleigh suffers from multiple heart defects and was born with Down syndrome. Haleigh is "a medical mystery," her mother Chelsea Cail said.
The single mother said the babies were premature, and Haleigh has endured several heart surgeries. They live in Sylvania.
The show
Over 200 vehicles are expected at the show. The event begins with registration for participants at 8 a.m., and judging will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., Oglesby said.
Door prizes will be awarded from 1-3 p.m. and awards are at 3 p.m., with admission at $4 per person. Children under 12, military families with identification and handicapped visitors are admitted free, Oglesby said.
There will be awards given to the top 50 entries, dash plaques and specialty trophies. A Car Corral will feature vehicles for sale, and visitors will enjoy a silent raffle 50/50 cash drawing, concessions and more.
Because music will be aired, no personal music is allowed at the family-oriented event, Oglesby said.
The registration fee for entries is $20, or $15 for pre-registered vehicles. To include a car or truck for sale in the Car Corral will be $10. Southern Cruiser members will have their cars on display but will not be included in judging.
For more information, visit www.statesborocruisers.org.
Herald reporter Holli Deal Saxon may be reached at (912) 489-9414.