Cars N Coffee Host First Event of 2026

CEDAR CREST, N.M. — In the East Mountains, where neighbors are often separated by acres of pinon and juniper rather than thin apartment walls, catching up with the person next door usually requires a deliberate effort.

For the past decade, that effort has centered around a patch of pavement north of the Triangle Grocery.

East Mountain Cars n Coffee kicked off its 10th anniversary season this Saturday, transforming a quiet local lot into a sprawling gallery of chrome, custom paint, and community conversation. For organizers Mike Oliver, Bob Smith, and Doug Baker, the event is less about the technical specifications of the engines and more about the people standing behind them.

Jerry Vallejos was the driving force behind the event until this year and has stepped back into more an advisory role he also plans to remain active and appear at shows when he can.

“In the East Mountains, your next-door neighbor isn’t really next door,” said Oliver, an event organizer who arrived in his “main driver,” a 1964 Ford Falcon. “You wave, you kind of know who everybody is, but this is a chance to visit.”

The gathering, which runs the last Saturday of every month from March through October, prides itself on an “all rides welcome” philosophy. The result is an eclectic mix that defies the rigid categories of traditional car shows. On any given Saturday, a meticulously restored vintage classic might sit parked next to a high-horsepower “sleeper” station wagon or a work-in-progress project car.

The diversity of the vehicles is intentional. According to Oliver, the only real requirement for entry is a sense of pride in one’s work.

“Pretty much [any car is welcome],” Oliver said. “Unless you’re looking for somebody to help you unload your groceries. You see all different kinds of vehicles here, and everybody’s open to conversation. Cars are such an icebreaker.”

The event has seen a transition in leadership recently. While long-time organizer Jerry remains involved in a supporting role, the trio of Oliver, Smith, and Baker has stepped up to ensure the 10-year tradition continues. Baker manages the group’s growing digital presence, which has become the primary hub for a community that spans generations.

For the organizers, the ultimate goal is to pass that passion down. By encouraging young people and families to attend, they hope to show the next generation that “seeing what your neighbors are doing” is just as important as what is under the hood.

East Mountain Cars n Coffee is free to the public and runs from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. No vehicle is required to attend. Those looking for more information or wishing to display a vehicle can contact the organizers through the “East Mountain Cars n Coffee” Facebook Messenger page.