Veteran's Day Car Show! Details on Events Page
ABOUT US
BASTROP AREA CRUISERS MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the BASTROP AREA CRUISERS, a non-profit organization, is to provide activities and forums for area car enthusiasts to share and exhibit antique, classic, late model and special interest vehicles for the benefit and enjoyment of its members and the general public. The club also supports various charities through contribution of club funds and member’s efforts to benefit organizations such as veteran’s charities, local charities, and automobile-related scholarship activities.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY:
In 1999, 26 car enthusiasts in Bastrop founded a non-profit club to preserve and enjoy antique, classic, and special interest vehicles. The club now welcomes all car lovers and raises funds for local organizations, including veterans and young people interested in mechanics. In 2017, the club was named Bastrop Nonprofit of the Year.
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The Bastrop Area Cruisers (BAC) started an annual car show in 2000 at Loblolly Pines. In 2005, the BAC partnered with the Downtown Business Alliance (DBA) to move the show downtown. The show was held at River Bend Park in Smithville from 2011 to 2014, but returned to Bastrop in 2015. The BAC has been the sole organizer of the show since then.
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The Bastrop Area Cruisers holds an expanded Friday night Cruise-In, and a Veterans Day procession and ceremony with a plane flyover on Saturday. The event will also feature a judged car show with around 30 classes, a silent auction, and a raffle. Proceeds from the event benefit local veteran’s organizations, Bastrop County Auto Tech Scholarships, and other local causes.
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The BAC Veterans Weekend event is a community-supported event that benefits local veterans organizations and BHS Auto Tech Scholarships. It is made possible by the support of sponsors, businesses, and local government. The event draws thousands of visitors to downtown Bastrop each year and is a boost to the local economy.
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In 2014 and 2015, the Bastrop Area Cruisers provided driver services for Mecum Auctions' annual Classic Car Auction in Austin. Mecum paid the club for this service, and the proceeds were donated to veterans and local charities. The club also supports Operation Finally Home, an organization that builds homes for disabled veterans and their families. Over the last few years, the club has donated over 75% of the proceeds from its annual car shows to veterans support organizations and other local charities.
The club also hosts monthly meetings, socials, and breakfast garage tours. Members enjoy attending other local car shows, road tours, and rod runs. They also assist local businesses and facilities with displays of their cars. If you are interested in joining the club, click here.
American Red Cross
American Sign Language World
Bastrop Animal Shelter
Bastrop Children’s Advocacy Center
Bastrop Family Crisis Center
Bastrop Food Pantry
Bastrop Pine Santa
Bastrop NROTC, Bastrop HS, Bastrop, TX
Bastrop Red White and Blue Banquet & Board Hospitality/Service
Bastrop Food Pantry
Bastrop VFW
Bastrop American Legion
Bastrop High School Auto Tech Program, Bastrop ISD, Bastrop, TX
Commemorative Air Force, San Marcos, TX
Elgin NROTC, Elgin HS, Elgin TX
Fire Cap - Fire Prevention through Education
Fisher House Foundation, San Antonio, TX and Ft. Hood, TX
Heart of the Pines VFD, Bastrop, TX
Honor Choir - Bastrop, TX
Honor Flight, Austin TX
Honor Guard, Bastrop, TX
ITS HUH, In the Streets, Hands Up High Ministry, Bastrop, TX
Lost Pines Leathernecks, Bastrop, TX
Operation Finally Home, New Braunfels, TX, Homes for Disabled Veterans
Patriot Paws, Rockwall, TX
Project Graduation, BISD, Bastrop, TX
Soldiers Angels, San Antonio, TX
The Bugle Boy - La Grange, TX
Veterans Memorial - Smithville, TX
Wilderness Ridge Fire Victims
Military Warriors Support
In addition to supporting the charities listed above, each year the Cruisers provide scholarships to local High School Seniors wanting to pursue higher education in the automotive field. Along with the scholarships the Cruisers also support the Bastrop High School Auto Technology Center (Auto Shop) in acquiring the equipment and tools needed for national (ASE) accreditation in the areas of Maintenance and Light Repair.
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The Cruisers are more than fundraisers. We meet monthly at the Colony Events Center in Bastrop on the second Wednesday and have club socials at local restaurants on the fourth Wednesdays. We organize "breakfast garage tours" at members' homes multiple times a year. Additionally, we participate in local car shows, Road Tours, and Rod Runs to appreciate Texas highways. We support local businesses and nursing homes by showcasing our collector and special interest cars and trucks, and many of these businesses sponsor our annual Veterans car show.
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Our members are committed to helping the community, helping each other, and also have established many friends through the BAC club activities. If you are interested in learning more about our club with the possibility of joining us Click Here to Join