Cruisin’ with my Sweetheart
The sounds and sights of decades past Friday night, March 13, 2026 in Stilwell rumbled and rolled along Second Street as part of the Cruisin’ with my Sweetheart event. Sponsored by the City of Stilwell Events Committee, a parade full of classic cars and trucks came to town to show the style and shape of vehicles from as far back as a Model A and through the 1970s.
Visitors stood at curbside along the street, waving and taking pictures of the classic vehicles as they passed. Some parked along Division Street to show their vehicle, and watch the others as the cars and trucks paraded past.
Mayor Jean Ann Wright registered the car enthusiasts.
“Hundreds of people watched from their cars parked along Second Street, or in chairs, or brought cars and trucks to drive in the event,” said Wright. “It was a fun night seeing all the vehicles in the parade cruise, and everyone followed the laws and had a great time.”
Mayor Jean Ann Wright awards a trophy and chocolate to Darren Pendergraft who won first place in the car division of Cruisin’ with my Sweetheart on Friday night in Stilwell.
photo: Renee Fite
Mayor Jean Ann Wright awards a trophy and chocolate to David Loman, who took second place in the truck division of Cruisin’ with my Sweetheart, with his 2004 Colorado, on Friday night in Stilwell.
photo: Renee Fite
Ron Braly lives and breathes classic cars, which he’s collected for 40 years. He drove his turquoise 1957 Pontiac Chieftain from Tahlequah, and also owns a 1941 Ford and 1951 Volkswagen.
“It was being used as a chicken coop in California, I paid $200 for it in 1990,” said Braly. “When I got married in 1962, I was driving one like it.”
It’s a beautiful car.
From Prairie Grove, Jennifer and Gale Renner have been showing classic cars for about 20 years. They have a vintage truck and 2006 GTO.
“I like the wind in my hair,” said Jennifer.
Gale said, “I enjoy looking at the cars and the fellowship.”
Derrick Wilhite, from Stilwell, brought his dad’s red 1966 Fort Mustang, and daughter Dayla Wilhite to ride along.
“I like old cars,” Dayla said.
Wilhite said they have several old cars.
“Growing up, my parents always bought me Hot Wheels. As I got older I started buying big boy cars,” said Wilhite.
Friday night he was also enjoying seeing the cars at the event.
“I like the sound of the engines. I have two Corvettes I like to drive,” he said. “I’m looking forward to winning a trophy.”
Next to register was Eldon Hill, from Stilwell. He brought his grandson Josiah Miller, and his 1985 Chevy Silverado truck.
“I just love cruising and riding in old trucks. It doesn’t matter where I am,” Hill said.
From Sallisaw, Bob Walden drove “Yellow Dandelion,” his Corvette. He also owns a 1935 Ford Sedan two door.
“I was in the auto glass business for 42 years, and worked on lots of cars. I like working on them,” said Walden.
He’s been riding in the Strawberry Festival parade about 20 years.
“It’s my favorite festival,” Walden said.
Ron Braly receives a trophy and chocolate from Mayor Jean Ann Wright for winning second place in the car division of Cruisin’ with my Sweetheart.
photo: Renee Fite
Buddy Wallis, from Stilwell, was next to sign up with his 1964 Chevy II Nova. What does he love about classic cars?
“It’s just in my blood, all my life,” Wallis said. “My dad [Don Wallis] was an old style car builder.”
The oldest classic registered was a 1929 Model A replica owned by Michael Smith, from Bunch.
“I’m just getting into classic cars. I got this car about two years ago,” Smith said. “I like looking at all the old cars, they remind me of the way it used to be.”
Classic vehicles are eye candy to some people.
“I love looking at old trucks and cars,” said Lane Kirk, who entered a 1994 Chevy.
June Wilson, who was with Kirk said, “I love looking at old cars.”
Driving the farthest, Darren Pendergraft came from Grove. He brought grandson Jacob Tosta from Decatur, Arkansas and his 1967 red Chevelle.
“We’ve been doing shows several years,” said Pendergraft. “I built this car in memory of my dad, he had one like this.”
Tosta said, “I like the car he drives.”
Pendergraft later took first place in the car division.
Gerald Wiltshire is the second owner of a GTO he bought 10 years ago.
“I’ve loved cars all my life,” said Wiltshire.
His wife drives a 1964 Corvette and they have a 1950 Ford pick up.
“It’s the fun of driving them,” Wiltshire said. “Driving them brings back memories.”
Seeing and hearing the old classic cars and trucks brought back memories for some in the crowd, and driving in the cruise parade, while making new memories for everyone attending Friday night.
“It was such a good time, we’re looking at hosting another one in the fall,” said Wright.
Below: Eldon Hill, along with grandson Josiah Miller, receive a trophy and chocolate from Mayor Jean Ann Wright for winning first place in the truck division of Cruisin’ with my Sweetheart with his 1985 Chevy Silverado.
photo: Renee Fite
