Twenty-three years ago, Amy East met Toby Kleffman while scooping the loop in downtown Seymour.
It was a time when teenagers spent Friday and Saturday nights cruising around with friends.
Four years later in 2000, East and Kleffman got married. They aren’t the only couple that have the once favorite pastime to thank for their relationship.
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On Saturday night, the Kleffmans and many others plan to return to where the magic began to take part in the eighth annual Scoop the Loop event.
The downtown will be bumper to bumper as hundreds if not thousands of current and former residents of all ages along with their families visit to relive the days when cruising wasn’t just something to do. For many kids, it was the only thing to do.
This year’s Scoop the Loop will be from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday and will feature live music from The Reunion Band at One Chamber Square.
Scooping the loop was revived in 2012 through the power of Facebook by Erin Hays of Seymour. Hays said he still loves to scoop and plans to be there Saturday night with his family.
People may arrive early to eat and shop beforehand. Some downtown businesses will be open late and offer specials on food, drinks and merchandise.
There also will be an opportunity for people to purchase a tasty root beer or Big Red float by walk-up or drive-through service at One Chamber Square to benefit the Fraternal Order of Police Donald M. Winn Lodge 108’s Cops and Kids program.
Besides people, another highlight of Scoop the Loop is getting to see the rides. From antique to vintage to new models, everything goes, including the family station wagon.
Official Scoop the Loop T-shirts can be purchased for $15 at the Jackson County Visitor Center. This year’s design features a vintage pickup truck. All proceeds from shirt sales will benefit the Seymour Evening Lions Club.
Jeremy Wischmeier of Seymour said he wouldn’t miss Scoop the Loop.
“We love seeing all the cars and people,” he said. “It’s a great chance to catch up with people you used to cruise with.”
But now that he’s older, cruising is more of a family-friendly event. As a teacher at Seymour High School, Wischmeier said the event also is a way for him to reconnect with former students.
“For me, I get to see several former students, and several of those that have started having families and are bringing their kids up,” he said. “My kids love it and can’t wait for it every year.”
On Friday night, many of the vehicles will be on display at the fourth annual Pre-Scoop Cruise-In and Car Show. Featuring hundreds of vehicles, the show raises money for the Cops and Kids program.
The car show will be from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Robertson Mill and Walnut Street parking lots. Parking begins at 3 p.m. Registration is $15. Live music will be performed by local band Bad Medicine.
Lori Rollins of Seymour said Scoop the Loop brings back memories of her high school days.
“It’s not exactly the same, but a lot of fun seeing all the cars and trucks and the people,” she said.
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Eighth annual Scoop the Loop
When: 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday
Where: Downtown Seymour
Featuring live music at One Chamber Square from The Reunion Band. Big Red and A&W Root Beer floats will be sold as a fundraiser.
Fourth annual Pre-Scoop Cruise-in and Car Show to benefit Fraternal Order of Police Donald M. Winn Lodge 108’s Cops and Kids program
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday. Parking begins at 3 p.m.
Where: Robertson Mill and Walnut Street parking lots in downtown Seymour
Cost: $15 to enter a vehicle; admission is free
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