Almost as soon as Mike Harris rolled his cherry red ‘56 Chevy Bel Air onto the grass at Windjammer City Beach Park on Monday afternoon, curious passersby drifted toward him to admire and inquire about the classic cruiser.

Harris, president of the Whidbey Cruzers Car Club, is one of several classic automobile enthusiasts who will be showing their cars, trucks and motorcycles at the 30th Annual North Whidbey Car Show on Saturday.

Harris first entered the show in 2003 and has participated every year with the exception of 2013, when he was rebuilding the ‘56 Chevy’s engine.

The car is much more than a valuable collectible for Harris. When he purchased it 20 years ago in commemoration of his Navy retirement, it introduced him to a new hobby, and a new lifestyle.

Though he hadn’t previously taken extensive interest in classic cars, Harris said the ‘56 Bel Air instantly piqued his interest and evoked nostalgia for the cars of his youth.

As a teenager, Harris had owned a ‘57 Chevy Bel Air.

He and his friends used to drive their cars to Kow Korner Drive-In in Oak Harbor, a popular social gathering spot.

It was also at Kow Korner that the Whidbey Cruzers  Car Club was born, he explained.

The club members still meet monthly, though they now meet at San Remo Restaurant or Island Pizza, as their former hangout is no longer.

The discussion at club meetings takes on a similar air to those he and his friends had as teens. Members talk about new cars they’ve procured, and more experienced members assist others with helpful repair advice.

“It’s just like with any other car, if you do your preventative maintenance, you’re going to keep it running,” Harris said.

Harris estimated that he spends between 10-15 hours a week caring for the car. If he’s making a repair or replacement, he’ll spend more time, up to 50 hours a week.

“It’s tedious, but when you look at these cars, you just have to do it,” he said.

Many of the Cruzers also attend shows together, entering competitions from Bellingham to Issaquah.

“I show it whenever I can,” Harris said.

At least once per year, he and fellow auto enthusiasts embark on a ride across the state to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Every year, the club has a solid representation at their hometown show.

Chad Davis, car show chairman, noted that the North Whidbey Car Show is also the North Whidbey Lions Club’s major fundraiser of the year.

Proceeds from the event will go toward club programs, which range from donating eyeglasses and hearing aids to those in need to the high school’s Invest-Ed program, which aims to help eligible students pay for class fees, lunch, field trips and other items they may otherwise not be able to afford.

Davis said he’s always been interested in cars — he’s currently tinkering with an ‘85 Datsun — but the best part about it for him is giving back.

Davis added that Lions Club members will set up booths at the show to share more information on programs and volunteering.

“The opportunities are boundless,” Davis said, explaining that there are numerous ways for prospective volunteers to get involved with the club. “We’re always looking for fresh ideas. …If it helps folks out, we’ll jump on board. That’s the beauty of the club.”

Also during the show, attendees will have the chance to enter a 50/50 raffle. Half of the pot will be donated to the club while the other half will be given to the winner.

Davis said approximately 5,000 people attended last year’s show, and he’s anticipating a similar turnout this year.

As of Monday, about 100 car owners had pre-registered. Davis said there is usually an average of about 230 cars registered by show time.

As much as he takes pleasure in showing his cruiser, Harris said it’s the stories people share that he enjoys the most.

The car, a popular classic, evokes quite a few memories from those who either owned one themselves or had a friend or family member who did.

“They come down generation to generation,” said Harris.

Registration

A booth will be open for pre-registration from 4-7 p.m., Aug. 7, at the end of SW Beeksma Drive in the parking lot. Pre-registration costs $25 per car. Gates open at 7:30 a.m., Aug. 8, at Windjammer Park for participants. Registration the day of the event costs $30.

The event is free, and visitors are welcome to come by any time throughout the day. Judging will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Trophies will be awarded at 3 p.m. For more information or to register, call 360-679-1595 or nwcarshow@yahoo.com