Cutsforth’s Cruise-In celebrates 31 years of cars and community

By Jules Rogers

Cool vintage cars, live music, and local fundraising will return to Wait Park this summer as Cutsforth’s Cruise-In celebrates its 31st year on Aug. 29.

The nonprofit community car show runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wait Park. Admission is free to the public, and vehicle registration costs $25. Gates open for participants at 6:30 a.m.

Now in its fourth decade, the event has grown from a small gathering of 14 vintage vehicles in the Cutsforth Market parking lot in 1994 into one of Canby’s largest annual community events. Organizers expect about 750 vehicles to register this year.

“Everything about this event is centered on supporting Canby first and foremost,” said Tanner Cutsforth, marketing manager. “The support we receive from local businesses is incredible.”

According to Cutsforth, his father, founder Frank Cutsforth, envisioned an event that would bring car enthusiasts together while creating opportunities to support local organizations and strengthen community connections.

“The Cruise-In brings thousands of visitors to Canby each year, many of whom travel from outside the area. Those visitors support local restaurants, shops, hotels, gas stations, and other businesses throughout the weekend, creating a significant positive economic impact for the community,” Cutsforth said. “For some local businesses, the day of the Cruise-In is their busiest day of the year, making the event an important contributor to the local economy. In addition to attracting visitors, the event showcases Canby as a welcoming destination and encourages many attendees to return throughout the year.”

The event also serves as a fundraiser for local organizations. Proceeds support the Frank Cutsforth Memorial Fund, a scholarship that helps local students pursue higher education opportunities and continue investing in the future of the community. Funds are also distributed to Canby High School athletic teams and the Canby Rotary Foundation.

“These contributions support a variety of community projects, youth programs, and charitable efforts throughout Canby,” Cutsforth said.

Following Frank Cutsforth’s passing in 2023 after a battle with kidney cancer, and Debbie Wright’s passing in 2024 following a stroke, the responsibility of continuing the event passed to the next generation.

Today, Frank’s children — Joel, Kelsey and Tanner Cutsforth — oversee the Cruise-In, while Debbie’s children continue their longtime role at the registration table, carrying on a tradition of volunteerism, community involvement, and giving back.

Cutsforth said much of the event’s success can be credited to the vision, dedication, and countless volunteer hours contributed by Frank Cutsforth and Wright, who focused on using the event to bring people together, support local causes, and celebrate the Canby community.

“One meaningful addition in recent years has been our "Rev Your Engines for Frank" memorial tribute at the beginning of the show,” Cutsforth said. “Following the passing of our founder, Frank Cutsforth, in 2023, we wanted to create a special way to honor his legacy and the tremendous impact he had on the Cruise-In and the community. While we're always looking for ways to enhance the event, preserving the spirit and vision that Frank established remains at the heart of the Cruise-In.”

Entertainment will include music from the K.I.S.N. Good Guys and a patriotic performance by the Willamette Valley Big Band.

The Canby Rotary Club will host its Big Burger Barbecue in the center of the park. Additional food vendors will offer pie, ice cream and other refreshments.

Several local student organizations also will raise money during the event. The Canby High School baseball team will sell pie and ice cream, the volleyball team will sell root beer floats, the trap team will offer coffee and doughnuts, and Wolf Academy students will sell bottled water.

“These activities allow local organizations to raise funds while helping create the family-friendly atmosphere that makes the Cruise-In such a special community event,” Cutsforth said.

Most vendors accept credit and debit cards, though organizers recommend bringing cash to help keep lines moving.

The first 700 registered vehicles will receive dash plaques, and 100 trophies will be awarded with support from event sponsors.

Cutsforth said the Cruise-In remains a testament to the power of community, volunteerism, and family tradition, while staying true to its original purpose of bringing people together and supporting local organizations.

“I'd like attendees to leave with a greater appreciation for the community spirit that makes this event possible,” Cutsforth said. “The Cruise-In is about more than cars — it's an opportunity to bring people together, support local causes, and celebrate Canby's unique character.”