Mt. Vernon Register-News

Local

March 26, 2011

Bandit Run cruises into King City April 12

By TESA CULLI tesa.culli@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — Members of the community will be able to participate in part of the Bandit Run, coming through the city on April 12.

“We wanted to make sure the community could get involved and interact with the group and the cars,” Tourism Director Bonnie Jerdon said. “It’s a fun thing, and a bit nostalgic for everyone.”

This is the 30th anniversary of the hit movie “Smokey and the Bandit” which has become a classic with muscle car enthusiasts around the world. Restore a Muscle Car group have been re-enacting the eight day trip memorialized in the movie from Lincoln, Neb., to Braselton, Ga., for several years. This year, in an effort to change the route a bit, the group planned a stop in the King City. There will be an estimated 125 muscle cars, including replicas of those vehicles highlighted in the “Smokey and the Bandit” movies, and about 200 people.

“There will be several vintage TransAms, Snowman’s tractor trailer, the “Banshee” and more,” Jerdon explained. “We’re going to welcome the cars at Times Square Mall, when they come rolling into town between 5 and 6 (p.m.) We encourage people to come out. It will be in the front parking lot between Wendy’s and Verizon. People can take photographs of the cars, and the people that own them will let people sit in the cars and take photographs.”

A cruise of the muscle cars is slated for about 6 p.m., going from Times Square Mall, downtown, and back across town to GenKota Winery.

“Back at GenKota, Buffalo Wild Wings will be coming over with wings and such for a party/reception at 6:30 (p.m.),” Jerdon said. “The public is invited to all of that, too.”

But, the fun only lasts one night, as the group will stay at the Holiday Inn, then make their way out the following morning on their way to Georgia.

“These people are having a good time and want to get acquainted with everyone,” Jerdon said. “I think it will be a lot of fun.”

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TESA GLASS/REGISTER-NEWS
Mt. Vernon Police blocked a portion of North Ninth Street Wednesday morning about 11 a.m. after reports the brick facade of the apartment building at the corner of Ninth and Maple streets was falling to the ground. The bricks took out cable lines, awnings and were landing on the street.