Road Kill Cruise returns Friday with classic cars, tractors and local favourites

By Ian MacKay

The 41st annual Road Kill Cruise returns to Rosetown on Friday, presented by the Dusty Wheels Auto Club.

As long as the threat of rain does not keep some exhibitors at home, organizer Barry Churchman expects a strong turnout.

“All the regular clubs will be there,” Churchman said last week.

Among those expected are members of the Draggins Rod and Custom Club, Coachmen Car Club, Shifters Car Club, Saskatoon 567 Club and the Redline Society, all based in Saskatoon.

Churchman said one anticipated attraction is a fully restored 1963 Ford unibody truck.

“We’ve got a ’63 Ford unibody truck that should be coming,” he said.

Ford produced what it called its “unitized Styleside” trucks from 1961 to 1963, combining the cab and box into what appeared to be a single continuous body.

“But it’s a little safer now,” Churchman joked. “It’s got some Chevy parts on the steering. Any time you can put a Chevy part on a Ford, it does nothing but improve them.”

The 1960 Chevrolet Impala featured on this year’s show poster is owned by Glenna Sparks and won the Members Choice Award at the 2023 event.

Vintage farm machinery is also expected to be part of the show.

David Saville of Rosetown Antique Power said a 1949 Oliver 88 tractor should be on display after club members completed repairs and got it running last week. Terry and Glenna Sparks donated the tractor last summer and members worked on it throughout the winter.

Terry Sparks had previously used the tractor in pulling competitions, and Saville said it required extensive brake repairs.

“The brakes were a lot of work; they’d all come apart,” he said.

Members had the brake shoes rebuilt, corrected wiring problems and replaced the steering wheel with an original-style wheel from an Oliver Model 70.

“Strangely enough, I had the right steering wheel,” Saville said.

Saville also plans to display a Waterloo Bronco tractor that club members restored about eight or nine years ago. He expects several other Antique Power members to bring vintage tractors as well.

Visitors will also find food and refreshments available during the evening. The Alex Ositis Foundation plans to serve barbecued hamburgers, while tourism booth staff are expected to once again offer ice cream treats.

The show officially runs from 5 p.m. to between 9 and 10 p.m., although vehicle owners typically begin arriving and securing spots along the 300 block of Main Street around 2 p.m.