Flying Farmer, photo Courtesy: Doug B, North Hudson

Back in the day, along Wonder View Road in North Hudson, the sounds of revving engines and the smell of burning rubber were a Saturday night staple, as tricked out cars raced down the North Hudson Drag Strip.

And while the drag way has long been shuttered, locals have fond memories and stories of those days, many which will be remembered and shared tomorrow at the 5th Annual Classic Car Cruise In And Dragway Reunion.

Sponsored by the North Hudson Volunteer Women’s Auxiliary, organizers are hoping this year’s event will be the most successful ever.

“Last year we had 60 cars,” one of the organizers, April Bessey told Schroon Laker today. “The year before that we had 40. It’s growing in popularity every year”.

April said the now annual event originally grew out of a drag strip reunion organized by the Schroon North Hudson Historical Society five years ago.

These days the event is a very laid back and informal affair.

“We don’t have an entry fee, we don’t give out prizes, It’s a chance for the guys to talk about and show off their cars and share their memories of the drag strip”.

And among those doing a lot of the talking will be local legend, octogenarian Norm Monette: aka The Flying Farmer and his 1957 Chevy.

‘Norm’s car was one of the original cars that raced at the track,” April said.

Photo Courtesy: Doug B, North Hudson, shows the Flying Farmer at the old strip on race day

In the summer of 2007 the car was restored to its former glory and now -- along with Norm – gets a lot of attention at the show.

April said car enthusiasts travel from as far as Vermont for the show. Cars come and go throughout the day at the show.

Besides talking about the old days at the track, the ladies of the North Hudson Volunteer Women’s Auxiliary will be serving up some drag strip fair, including Michigans and hot dogs. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and a prize basket of car care products.

The entire event is free. There will be donation buckets for those wishing to help cover costs.

When and Where: The event stars at 9 am and goes to 3 pm. North Hudson Firehouse, 3034 Route 9, North Hudson