PILOT MOUNTAIN — By 8 a.m. Saturday the last parking spot on Main Street in Pilot Mountain had been taken, as faithful cruise-in participants have learned, they need to get there early to get a good spot.

Cecil Kirkman and his friend Doug Seawell have only missed one cruise-in in the past three years. Kirkman got to town at 9 p.m. Saturday and still had to park his 1968 Camaro behind First Citizens bank.

Seawell got there early enough to park his blue 1967 Chevelle on Main Street. He drove up from Greensboro to the cruise-in.

“I learned the hard way,” said Seawell with a laugh. He said he enjoys checking out the cars and the “good-looking women” at the cruise-in.

The cruise-ins don’t officially start until 4 p.m.

Police Chief Darryl Bottoms said he was expecting around 10,000 in attendence at the cruise-in before it was over Saturday night. He said the streets are lined by early in the morning.

“You will see people sitting out with their cars, eating biscuits. Some of them will bring their cars out the night before. It’s just like the fishing hole, you’ve got the best spot,” said Bottoms.

He said most cruise-in participants will pass the time by sitting around talking about how they have restored their cars.

“It’s just a passion for all of these people,” said Bottoms.

Jeff Sells of Albemarle came to the cruise-in with the Tachtwisters car group. He brought his 1968 Camaro to show off.

“This is my first time here. I think it’s neat. There’s a lot of cars,” said Sells.

He said he would definitely come back for more cruise-ins.

There is only one more cruise-in left this year. It will be on Oct. 2.

Contact Mondee Tilley at mtilley@mtairynews.com or at 719-1930.