Cruisin' for Kids draws over 150, raises money for Environmental Science Club and Rorontakehte David

By Andy Gardner

The Cruisin' for Kids event, hosted by Swamp's Performance Automotive, raised $1,000 for the Massena Central Environmental Science Club and Rorontakehte David.

Swamp's owner Casey Swamp said 150-200 people attended throughout the day. The event included its usual car and motorcycle show and food. It also had attractions for kids -- inflatables and a Big Wheels race from the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Dept.

There was also a barbeque cook-off for "bragging rights for the best ribs in Akwesasne," Swamp said.

"The Backyard BBQ cook-off was a great success as well. We had 3 BBQers attend, Barry Thomas, Jonathan Lazore and Josh Laffin. The cook-off was for bragging rights to see who had the best ribs in Akwesasne. The voting was done by community choice. All the ribs were excellent, but the overall winner was Josh Laffin.

All three would definitely rival the Ribfests that travel from city to city in Ontario for sure," Swamp said. "I'd like to thank Jonathan Lazore from Chey's Place for organizing the backyard BBQ cook-off. Together, we plan on making this an annual contest at the Crusin' for Kids car show. Next year we will have a trophy for the top BBQer to hang on to until they are dethroned. Proceeds from the cook-off contest were donated to the cause as well."

This year's event was moved to Jacobs Tobacco, after having been held in conjunction with the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort Brewfest, which didn't happen this year.

"Tisha Thompson was kind enough to allow us to use the parking lot at Jacobs Tobacco company where we could fit well over 200 cars. We very much appreciate Tisha allowing us to use the location," Swamp said.

He said volunteers give up time each year to make Cruisin' for Kids happen.

"Since this is a fundraising event, my staff, my family and I donate our time to the cause each year. They are an integral part of the planning prior to the event and they do a great job keeping things rolling throughout the day of the event. I really wouldn't be able to take on the task without them.

Most people don't realize the 'behind the scene' things that need to be done to organize an event such as this," Swamp said. "I want to acknowledge my sponsors for the event as well. Big Boys Gas & Tobacco jumped on board for the 2nd straight year as our platinum sponsor for the event. SRMT Economic Development and Akwesasne Employment Resource Center were also Platinum sponsors. Gold sponsors include-Tarbell Management Group and CAA Management. Silver sponsors include J&J Insurance, 37 West Steakhouse & Lounge, Green Chief Naturals, and Lazore's Construction. Our tent sponsor included Chey's place and the Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce. Redrum Motorcycle Club donated $300 to the cause as well, I'd like to thank them and look forward to working with them on next year's activities."