SIDNEY - Summer vacation begins in the southern Nebraska panhandle with the annual cruise down Illinois Street in Sidney later this month. 

Flood Communications, the parent company of 987 The Big Boy (KSID-FM) and Cheyenne County Country (KSID-AM), announced Monday morning Cruisin' Night 2024 will be held from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, May 31 in downtown Sidney.

Long-time Sidney resident Mason Huck and his dad, Greg, participated in Cruisin' Night in vehicles they refurbish, including a Dodge Warlock, a white Ford Bronco and in the near future a yellow Dodge Charger.

Huck says Cruisin' Night has always been about family, including the days when he and his brother would sit in a pickup bed with lawn chairs while cruising up-and-down Illinois Street.

"Especially the old muscle cars is what I'm always on the eye for," Huck said. "You'd sit there with my grandfather and he had a story about every single vehicle that he would see. He either owned at some point, traded for something or did something with that vehicle. I swear he owned every single vehicle out there."

Muscle cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, hot rods, rust buckets and other street legal vehicles are permitted to enjoy a ride down the old Lincoln Highway (Hwy. 30) through the historic downtown district while listening to oldies music from the 1950s and 1960s, including your requests, on the radio at 98.7 FM, 95.7 FM and 1340 AM. Music and programming will also be available on thebigboy987.com, the free News Channel Nebraska app and you can tell Alexa to "play 987 The Big Boy."

Today, Huck shares the Cruisin' Night tradition with his own family, including his wife Tasha and their two daughters: Teegan, 5, and Willow, 3.

"Teegan is going to turn six here soon, but I know she would think that would be so cool," Huck said. "She's always one to have a fun time. If she feels like she's the center of attention, she's having a good time. You'll be able to follow where we are no matter where Willow is. You'll follow the trail of popcorn and that'll lead you to where Willow or where the snacks are."

Families and friends will have the chance to win a variety of prizes from The Big Boy and Cheyenne County Country at the intersection of Illinois St. and 10th Ave. 

Huck is the Owner and a Financial Advisor at Financial Partners in downtown Sidney. He says since his dad started the business in 1992, they've always enjoyed being a part of the community and its events. 

"The community has always been great to us, so we always like to try and give back where we can, like the park project," Huck said. "Cruisin' Night is just one of those deals that it's just a good fun time. As long as we can kind of just get in there and help the community out in one way or another. We figure it's kind of the same concept of if you take care of the clients, they take care of you. If you take care of the community, it'll take care of you, too."

There's no registration or fee to attend Cruisin' Night. All are welcome to either drive through downtown or sit along the sidewalk to take in all the cruisers and enjoy concessions from businesses and organizations. Everyday traffic laws apply.