The job at hand is to wake up the world to the fact that Langley Good Times Cruise-In is back.

After a year's hiatus, the Cruise-In is on again, and set for Saturday, Sept. 10.

Organizers are counting down, noting there are only 60 days left until thousands of car owners and car enthusiasts descend on the streets of downtown Langley for one of North America's biggest free car shows.

But there's lots of work still to be done and sponsorships to be secured in that short window of time, Cruise-In president Riccardo Sestito told the Langley Advance.

The 2010 car show was cancelled for a number of reasons, including safety and bureaucratic red tape. With hopes that most of the issues are resolved, the organizing committee agreed to bring the show back for 2011.

"Most people I talk to about the show are happy it's back," Sestito said. But he's still amazed how many people are surprised to learn the event is on again.

Cruise-In is a one-day car show held on the streets of downtown Langley on the first Saturday after Labour Day each September. About 100,000 people attend the free event that showcases upwards of 1,700 custom and classic vehicles.

The car show is always followed by a one-day auto corral and swap meet held on the Sunday at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

But a number of changes are being made with the show's return, including introduction of a mandatory $25 pre-registration, elimination of the Friday night cruise to the drive-in, reduction of the display site, increased involvement of the City of Langley and RCMP for security and safety, and the addition of a new rock-a-billy component in the Cascades Casino parking lot.

This addendum comes complete with a pin-up contest, with women dressed in 1940s and '50s outfits, soliciting votes from the crowd.

"I'm particularly looking forward to that part of the show," said Sestito, who said it's a highlight in all the U.S. shows he's attended recently. He's glad to be bringing it to life in B.C.

Cars will continue to be lined up along Fraser Highway, from 206th to 203rd Streets, as well as sections of Douglas Crescent and 56th Avenue. Vintage cars will again be displayed in the concours at Douglas Park, while Barnes Harley-Davidson hosts its motorcycle show 'n shine at the casino, and the marketplace will set up in the Value Village parking lot.

Even California's InNOut Burger will be coming back up for the one-day event, donating all its proceeds to the Cruise-In charities (about $9,000 in 2009).

The big job that lays ahead is solidifying the last of the sponsorships, which Sestito noted are down slightly from past years. The other task is to get the word out about the event being back.

"I'm confident the show will go off without a hitch, as it has in past," Sestito said, noting the stresses behind the scenes never seem apparent on show day.

"But right now, I still feel like I'm behind," he said, comparing the final two-months to an intense roller coaster ride. Sestito paralleled the countdown to Cruise-In to the downhill curve of the midway ride, where those along for the ride have no time to enjoy the scenery. Hair straight back, they must simply hanging on tight for a fast and sometimes scary descent.

During its 13-year history, Cruise-In has generated more than $800,000 for charity. This year's three main causes are: the Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association, the Langley Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and Langley Stroke Recovery.

In addition to registration fees and sponsorships that generate money for these charities, Sestito said organizers are selling Cruise-In posters for $2 each. There's a "closed for the season" poster specially made up for 2010, as well as the 2011 poster. Both are available in advance at the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce office on Glover Road.

The posters have proven even more popular this year, and with collectors snatching them up organizers have already had to put in a second print order.

rhooper@langleyadvance.com