Decatur gears up for 17th annual 'Cruise 11 to Remember 9-11' event

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - On Sunday, September 7, Decatur will host the 17th annual “Cruise 11 to Remember 9-11” event at Central Park.

The special event features a car and bike show, food, and a remembrance cruise.

Registration for the cruise begins at 8 AM, costing $11, while admission to the event is free. Any vehicle may enter.

Ayn Owens, creator of the event, says “Cruise 11 has raised tens of thousands of dollars for various military and veteran causes. We have provided funds for our community’s World War 2 Memorial, Christmas Stockings were sent to the Troops, boxes for active-duty troops and basic needs of local veterans.”

This event supports the Doug Hagen Memorial Scholarship Fund at MacArthur High School, honoring a veteran who was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Unique awards will be given to the Top Ten entries, and food will be available for purchase.

At 2:00 PM, there will be an awards ceremony followed by the 11-mile BG Nevitt Memorial yellow ribbon “Cruise.” Participants will be given yellow ribbons to show their support of our Troops, thank our Veterans and remember the tragedy of 9-11.

The Cruise will begin at the corner of West Main & Merchant streets and go West on Main Street to the Decatur Conference Center and will return on Main to downtown.