Cadiz Cruz In Car Show Finds New Life With Enthusiast Group

Retired law enforcement agent leads effort to revive popular monthly car gathering in downtown Cadiz

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Despite recent leadership changes and uncertainty about the future of the Cadiz Cruz In car show, a new group of enthusiasts has stepped up to keep the long-running event alive. Led by retired law enforcement agent Tim Rouze, the group has secured initial financial support from the City of Cadiz and Cadiz-Trigg County Tourism to cover insurance costs and other expenses to continue hosting the monthly car gatherings in downtown Cadiz.

Why it matters

The Cadiz Cruz In has been a beloved community event for years, drawing car enthusiasts from across the region to showcase their vehicles and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow gearheads. With the recent retirements of key organizers, there were concerns the show may come to an end, but this new group is determined to not only keep it going but also work to attract younger participants and adapt the format to appeal to modern car culture.

The details

Rouze, a car enthusiast who moved to the area about four years ago, said he was saddened to hear the Cadiz Cruz In was potentially shutting down. When approached by Benji Harper and others about taking over the event, Rouze said it was 'a no-brainer.' The new group plans to 'modify' the shows in different ways, including efforts to appeal to younger generations who have been losing interest in traditional car shows. They are also working to secure additional funding from the city and county to cover the estimated $1,200-$2,500 in annual insurance costs to host the monthly events.

  • The Cadiz-Trigg County Joint Parks & Recreation board unanimously approved a $2,500 gift to the new non-profit group to help cover insurance costs on February 25, 2026.
  • The Fourth Annual Trigg County Classic disc golf tournament, sponsored by Parks & Recreation, will be held on March 21, 2026.

The players

Tim Rouze

A retired law enforcement agent from the West Coast who is now a car enthusiast and collector, and is leading the effort to revive the Cadiz Cruz In car show.

Benji Harper

One of the individuals who approached Rouze about taking over the Cadiz Cruz In car show.

Cadiz-Trigg County Tourism

The local tourism organization that has provided some initial financial support to help the new group continue hosting the Cadiz Cruz In car show.

City of Cadiz

The local government that has also provided some initial financial support to help the new group continue hosting the Cadiz Cruz In car show.

Trigg County Parks & Recreation

The local parks and recreation department that oversees the Trigg County Recreation Complex where the Cadiz Cruz In car show is held.

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What they’re saying

“When Benji Harper, and some others, approached him about gathering a group to keep it going, Rouze said it was 'a no-brainer.'”

— Tim Rouze, Retired law enforcement agent and car enthusiast (wkdzradio.com)

“Rouze said they know their group is starting at 'ground zero,' but have already gotten some minor financial commitments from the City of Cadiz, as well as Cadiz-Trigg County Tourism, in order to launch efforts as they have always existed.”

— Tim Rouze, Retired law enforcement agent and car enthusiast (wkdzradio.com)

What’s next

The new non-profit group overseeing the Cadiz Cruz In car show will continue to work on securing additional funding and finalizing plans to revive the monthly event, with the goal of hosting the first show under their leadership later this year.

The takeaway

The community's commitment to preserving the long-running Cadiz Cruz In car show, even in the face of leadership changes, demonstrates the deep-rooted passion for automotive culture and the importance of events that bring people together around shared interests in this small Kentucky town.