A new event benefiting local charities held its inaugural outing over the weekend at Blackburn Motors in Vicksburg. The first annual Cruzin’ on the River Jeep and Classic Car Show featured 53 jeeps and classic cars and trucks, with all funds raised benefiting local charities.

Organizers said all money raised from the event will go to aid charities including Renewal House, SWAG Ministries, Beautiful Deliverance and Serenity House.

Sponsors for this year’s event included: Advanced Auto Parts; Automotive Paint Center; Belmont Gardens; Recovery Center; Corner Market in Flora; Electro Mechanical Solutions (EMS); Ergon/Magnolia Marine; Golding Barge Lines; Mary Lirette Nurse Practitioner; Sam Brocatto Pest Control; Tony’s Grill and Seafood Market; Blackburn Motors; and Arc-Up Welding, Inc.

Organizers said the event included door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, vendors, a live DJ and a Balance Challenge skill event for the jeeps entered in the competition.

This year’s winners included Top Seven Jeeps: Jody Wooten, 2002 Jeep Wrangler; Kerry Southern, 2007 Jeep JK; James Parker, 2000 Jeep TJ; Jeff Chambers, 2024 Jeep Wrangler; James Parker, 2010 Jeep JKU; Dana Smith, 1943 Willys MT-TUG; Kim Williams, 2024 Jeep Wrangler. 

Top Seven Classic Cars/Trucks: Albert Saik, 1976 Bronco; Ricky Holdiness, 1958 Chevy Bel Air; Don Cool, 1936 Plymouth Coupe; Richard Morris, 1955 Chevy 210; Barbara Eldridge, 1987 Silverado; Jimmy Worley, 1956 Ford T-Bird; Roger Harris, 1934 Plymouth Coupe.

Sponsor’s Choice/People’s Choice: Renewal House Choice, Roger Stewart, 1983 GMC C1500; SWAG Ministries Choice, Tony Como, 1968 Chevy Chevelle; Beautiful Deliverance Choice, James Parker, 2000 Jeep XJ; Serenity House Choice, Robyn Jeffers, 2017 Jeep Wrangler; Blackburn Motors Jeep Choice, James Androwski, 2019 Jeep JL; Blackburn Motors Classic Car/Truck Choice, David Fitzgerald, 1967 Plymouth GTX; People’s Choice, James Parker, 1999 TJ (Smurfette).