By SOPHIE JUNGMAN
This past weekend, the Alva community celebrated its 25th annual Big Cruise and Car Show. A beloved motor event that has put Alva, Okla. On the map.
This is the largest free car show in the state of Oklahoma. Every year, community members anticipate vendors, merchants, food trucks, art, and hundreds of registered cars, all around the downtown square. Classic car owners come from all over Oklahoma and Kansas to enter their cars. Among them was Jerry Donahue of Oklahoma City, Okla. Donahue is the owner of a 1966 Mustang Sprint Coupe that made its third-year appearance: “This is one of the best car shows I like to go to,” said Donahue. His vehicle had to the chance to compete in several competitions from paint to performance.
The Big Cruise and Car Show dates back to Sept. 2000. It began with a group of local car fanatics who founded a group called Racing and Cruising Enthusiasts, AKA R.A.C.E. Among them was Myron Bradt. His son, Nick Bradt, shared, “My father’s passion for classic cars traveled deep into the family. From his ‘66 Mustang convertible to my brother’s ‘49 Plymouth and my ‘57 Chevy”. He went on to share the event’s history: “We had a large chunk of entries with the first car show back when the founders started it. The next year there were enough cars to justify moving to the fairgrounds. Then it just kept getting bigger and bigger.”, said Bradt. He credits the success of the car show to the passion of founders like his father and Mr. Norville Ritter. Other founding members include Mike Dunker and Smith. What started with 62 cars and a burnout in the VAP parking lot has become a three-day event that includes a Dyno contest, an auto cross, drag racing, the burnout, and the big boulevard cruise. Though some weather complications have come along over the years, the festivities still continue.
Community members also note that this event has made a positive impact on the whole town: “It brings plenty of people and gives business to the stores and restaurants,” said local Alva resident Barbara Shelite. She continued by saying, “It has really put Alva on the map”. Shelite goes on to explain the memories she has made with her family each year. The same goes for countless Alva families. Among them is Brian Thomas’s: “The second year was the first my family and I went to”, said Thomas. “The burnout really impressed the boys. They were 9,11, and 13; it was just right for them”. The car show has added several youth events, including The Little Miss Cruise and Car Show, bicycle races, Power Wheels, kids’ pit stop, and RC cars. They have included non-motor activities like the gallery exhibition and sidewalk art contest.
Alva’s 2026 Big Cruise and Car Show proved to be a success. The community is optimistic that it will continue to keep growing. For those who did not stop by or wish to register, come check it out in Sept. 2027.