With the completion of the fourth Mayberry Cool Cars and Rods Cruise-In, organizers believe it has been a successful event so far.

The cruise-ins in downtown Mount Airy on the fourth Saturday of each month started in April and will run through October. However, the Downtown Business Association, which started the event as a way to attract people to the downtown area on the weekends, is waiting until the final event before making a decision on whether or not to continue the cruise-ins next year.

Still, they are pleased with the fact that the cruise-in seems to be fulfilling its purpose despite the challenges it has faced with the weather. During the first two cruise-ins it rained, and heat put a slight damper on Saturday’s event. Despite that, people have still continued to show up for the monthly event.

“We think it’s going pretty well and we think we’re getting a pretty good turnout,” said Claudia Stowers, chair of the cruise-in committee for the DBA. “There are people walking the streets and in the shops and restaurants, so yes, it’s been a success.”

Many of the people who bring cars to the Mount Airy cruise-in take their cars to cruise-ins throughout the area. They enjoy getting out, showing off their cars and admiring others.

“We just go to cruise-ins. We go to them everywhere,” said Steve Atkins, who was there Saturday with his 1972 Chevelle. “We like this one because it’s close to home. I think this is a good place for a cruise-in if it would take off.”

Davis and Terri Creed also had a car at Saturday’s event. They like that Mount Airy is close by for them and provides an opportunity for them to take part in something they both enjoy.

“It’s just a hobby we do about every weekend,” they said.

The cruise-in allows those wanting to participate to park their cars along the street and those coming to observe to take their time wandering up and down either side of Main Street. The event has even drawn those just passing through to the downtown area. Bryan Crouser and his son, Brandon, stopped in Mount Airy on their way to Myrtle Beach, S.C., from West Virginia in order to eat at Snappy Lunch. On their way back home, they decided to stop again and were able to enjoy the cruise-in.

“We just came up through here and stopped. I’ve seen some good stuff,” said Brandon as he stood next to one of the many trucks along Main Street.

Participants and observers also have the opportunity to listen to music as bands take the stage during each event. Saturday’s cruise-in featured music by the Foothills Blues Society while next month’s event will featured the Klassix.

Stowers believes the events are a success because they can appeal to people of all ages.

“This is something that there is no generation gap. They either drive it or love to look at it,” she said.

Contact Morgan Wall at mwall@mtairynews.com or 719-1929.