One can register for THE event on-line: visit www.cruisethefalls.com, click on Registration,
and follow the prompts, its THAT easy. Again this year, credit card
payments are accepted (Visa, Mastercard) and a toll-free 866 number
is available, for those registering without computer access,
and for general HELP. The CC payments are safe and secure, we do
not see the numbers at all- please see our Privacy Policy link below.
Yes-
there is a cost to register for the event- we have numerous costs
including tent and generator rentals, outhouse rentals, insurance,
security, vendor permit, the cost of the T shirt in the goody bag,
printing, … All registration fees not used for expenses are added
to the Children’s donation. Note- NO FUNDS ARE USED FOR VOLUNTEER
EXPENSES- all volunteers travel to, from the event, pay for their
own rooms, Staff shirts are donated, and the volunteers keep returning.
NOTE- Cruise the Falls has NOT increased the registration fee in THREE YEARS!!!! Once again, its fixed at $40 Cdn. Unique amoung events these days.
The
registration fee is applicable to ONLY the PT- that is, it’s the
SAME FEE whether there is one or 5 people in your PT, its NOT per-person,
its PER PT, so bring the family.
Everyone
pays the same registration fee, regardless of club or affiliation-
we welcome all clubs and associations equally. CTF is not affiliated
with any club or association, but welcomes all equally.
You
may also select meals and other apparel when you register- dinners
and brunches are ALL pay-as-you-go, that is, its NOT an all-in registration
fee. We didn’t feel it fair to have ONE PRICE which included meals
and attractions that perhaps not everyone could attend or get their
a fair return on, so all items are OPTIONAL, chose what you want,
pay for what you want- it’s a method that works and we continue
to use it.
Registration/meal/
apparel fees are BILLED in Canadian dollars- we will charge the
credit card the fees in Cdn dollars, and the CC companies will convert
the Cdn to US using same-day exchange rates. You will see a charge
on your card in Cdn, converted to US under the heading "Streampoint Event Reg"- Streampoint built and hosts the registration system. For those paying
by US cash or check (cheque), please use a 15% exchange premium.
($40 Cdn = $35 USD for example)
With
each paid registration, one will receive an event “Goody Bag”.
Traditionally, the bag contains a free event T-shirt, the size is
selectable when you register, a CTF event limited-edition souvenir
(it could be a 1:64 model, or coaster, or, …) a CTF pen, a CTF window
cling, FREE LUNCH tickets, name-tag, and in the past, we have had
honey roasted peanuts donated, a cracker-jack baseball, Cruiser
Quarterly magazine, tire gloss, a wax sample, polishing compound,
maps, dash sheet, … Many of the items that are donated aren’t enough
for all 500+ bags- last year, we did 550 bags, so, items that are
limited, for example, 400 baseballs were donated, are stuffed into
the first 400 registrants’ bags. The lower the number, typically,
the LARGER the goody bag contents.
Registration
numbers are assigned in order of PAYMENT RECEIVED, not order of
registration. Hence, CC payment people will probably have lower
numbers. You can see your registration number when you view your
registration details on-line- registration numbers will be assigned
weekly. A registrant list with names and “where from” info is also available after you register so you can see who is coming and from where.
For
the past 3 years, registration spot #1 has been auctioned-off on
eBay with 100% of the proceeds going to the Kid’s fund. Last year,
registration spot #1 was won by the Maureen Singleton of R.I., who received
reserved parking at the very front of the lot, CTF blanket, remote
toys, Polic eescort, and other donated
items. The winning bid was $1,216 USD!! WOWZERS!
2b.
The BBQ dinner seems expensive- what up with that?
Unfortunately,
we are at the mercy of the Niagara Parks Commission anywhere in
Niagara Falls. Prices are set by them, and it is a touristy area.
We have negotiated the BEST POSSIBLE rates, including several re-price
requests from us, the prices are the best that we can do. The BBQ
dinner is a rather nice setting however- a great drive, reserved
parking, 2 pavilions, decent food. Included in the Park's price to us is 15% tax, 18%
gratuity, park fees (per person), clean up fees, and labour. THE MEAL PRICES HAVE NOT INCREASED THIS YEAR OVER LAST YEAR!!
The
BBQ dinner is completely OPTIONAL and only those that want to go
need pay for it. There are several options around the Niagara area
if this is not something that you want to do, no prob.
3.
I have registered, but want to make CHANGES to my information,
what can I do? How late can I make changes? What if I need to
CANCEL my registration or dinner? What if I selected extra apparel
or dinners, and have not paid by June 3rd?
Everyone
who registers has FULL ACCESS to their own registration details
on-line- you may add/delete your meals, T shirts, jackets, sizes,
T-shirts, PT colour, .. your GUESTS’ names, ANYTHING YOU WANT TO
CHANGE, YOU CAN. The registration system will be locked-down on
June 3 so that reports can be run, and the proper number of T shirts
and meals can be ordered. Until then, you may log in at ANY TIME
to change your details, OR, you can call the 866 toll free number to do so.
Forgot your password? Just follow the “Forgot Password” link.
NOTE-
the registration system goes off-line on June 3rd!!!
IF YOU HAVE REGISTERED FOR THE EVENT, AND SELECTED MEALS AND/OR
APPAREL, AND HAVE NOT PAID FOR THOSE ITEMS, YOUR REGISTRATION DATA
WILL BE EDITED TO REMOVE THE EXTRA ITEMS. Only the basic registration
data will remain, including the base T shirt. The balance will
then be returned to the standard registration amount ($40 Cdn), and you will
probably be assigned a “400” series number so that we can still
do your bag with whatever is left over and we have a bag with your
requested T shirt ready- we will hold that until noon on the Saturday then either SOLD or taken apart.
Since we have to pay the caterer and such on June 3, we will not
risk the carrying unpaid meal ot apparel charges, so they will be reset.
Due
to the credit card, per-transaction charges, and the fluctuation
Cdn to USD conversions, we have to pay whether we get, or refund,
money from the CC companies. Therefore, new this year, there is
a 10% cancellation fee on anything that was selected and paid-for.
Last year, we lost money by trying to be a nice guy and offering
100% refunds before June 1, we cannot afford to do that this year.
If you CANCEL anything that was paid for, AFTER JUNE 3rd,
there is a 100% cancellation fee. On June 3, we have to pay for
everything based on what was ordered so we cannot give refunds after
that date. If you absolutely CANNOT attend due to family emergency,
and you have pre-paid, we can, on special occasions, try to resell
your meals, and we can work out a deal to mail you your goody bag
– we are not heartless, please contact us if this situation arises.
4.
GUESTS? What are GUESTS in the registration system? Why
do I have to identify if my kid is under 12? Can I add/delete my
guests? How many can I add?
Part
of the registration questionnaire asks about guests- by entering
your guest’s (wife, husband, friend, kids, ..) name, we have data
to print them a name-tag, which is both a keep-sake and a way to
identify yourselves to other PT people all weekend. It also helps
gives us an accurate head-count for sizing insurance, and outhouse
rentals.
Kids-
we love kids! All kids are welcome. Dogs too.
As
in 3 above, you can edit your guests up to June 3 at which point
we lock down the registration in order to run reports and start
printing.
You
may have a max of 4 guests- after all, the PT only holds 5!
5.
I didn’t see a place to add my PT Class when I registered?
How are PTs judged at the event?
Although
we will be giving out about 15 PT Cruiser trophies (which are sponsored
and do NOT cost the event a dime), we will NOT be classifying PTs
into groups or categories for the sake of judging. We have not
found a 100% fair or equitable way to categorize modifications,
or custom paint jobs, or engine upgrades, based on points, we do
not have time to classify the 500+ PTs as they drive in, nor, can
we set the classes on dollars spent, so we thought that instead
of getting involved in all of that, we decided that ALL PTs are
EQUAL, and judged solely on what the judges feel is deserving of
a “PT OF DISTINCTION” award. The judges, 10-15 media writers from
the Toronto area, walk through the field on Saturday, and pick 15-20
PTs that have caught their eye- it could be based on a theme, a
patriotic display, a funky paint scheme, or just a CLEAN, STOCK,
PT. We have set no rules for these judges, other than be back by
3:00 pm.
We
hope that this event is NOT about winning trophies or competing,
rather, its about meeting others and seeing what 500+ PTs really
looks like.
We
also acknowledge the Furthest Attendees with a plaque- one from
the U.S.A., one from Canada, and one from oversees! (we have had
PT owners from Germany, England, and Slovenia attend)
6.
If I didn't register before the cut-off date, can I still attend the event? What’s the difference between a pre-registrant and a “walk-up”?
Pre-registration closed on June 3rd. If you missed pre-registering, PLEASE, COME ANYWAYS!! ALL PTs are welcomed, registered or not. If you are not a pre-registrant, for a small
donation of $15 USD or $20 CDN, which goes directly to Make-A-Wish, either at the event Saturday morning, OR, at Friday's registration tent where pre-registrants pick up their goody bags, you will receive a park admission pass, rear-view mirror dash-card to identify your PT, name badges and holders, and while supplies last, 2 "Cruise the Falls 5" collectables! Maybe even a chocolate bar and Nestle water too, Nachos on Friday as well. "Walk-ups" are also eligible for a DOOR PRIZEs- compare your entrance-ticket number with the Door Prize poster at the main tent (11:00 am Sat)- if your number is there, you win. Walk-ups are also eligible to win any of the trophies and raffle prizes. We typically get 50-100 walk-ups on the Saturday, so this is nothing new. COME, book your rooms now and plan to attend.
6b.
I didn't register BEFORE June 3rd, I want to come, can I still
order apparel or a dinner?
This
is always a challenge- by pre-registering, and settling your invoice,
we reserve meals and apparel since its paid for, and the event is not at risk for any loss. When registration
is shut down, it becomes very hard to track these requests for apparel and meals. Apparel WILL be avaialable on the Friday and Saturday, and we will sell BBQ hamburger & hot dog dinner meal tickets (at cost) on Saturday. If you are not coming, or REALLY want to reserve something before the event, contact PT_sean@cruisethefalls.com
and I will see what we can do.
7.
What event apparel is available? What are the costs? Can
I sell CTF stuff?
All
paid registrants will receive an OFFICIAL, event T-shirt, in their
goody bag. The size is selectable when you register. The cost
of registration covers a T shirt sized S to XL. If XXL or XXXL
is required, there is an extra $1 or $2 Cdn fee which will be added
to the total.
Also
available, and orderable via the registration system, completely
optional of course, are embroidered nylon and fleece jackets, embroidered baseball
caps (low risers), fleece 4x4 blankets, nylon silk-screened frisbees... Sizes and colours are within the registration pages.
We
WILL have extras of almost everything available at the event, in
limited quantities, for sale. It will be first-come, first served.
CTF
is run my volunteers, and all proceeds are donated to Children’s
Charities- proceeds from items that we sell go to the fund, NOT
for personal gain. If we are notified or see, that ANYONE is selling
CTFspecific items, the items will be confiscated on sight by the
security staff. We will not tolerate that at all as we do not feel
that ANYONE should profit personally from event related materials.
If
you have a T shirt business, or similar and would like to bid on
requirements that we might have, please contact info@cruisethefalls.com
8.
What is your Security and/or Privacy Policy? Will I receive
any spam if I register for CTF? Is my credit card info stored?
The
CTF Privacy and Security Policy is posted within the registration
pages
Security Policy
Privacy Policy
Highlights:
CTF does NOT sell or buy email lists, we do not use cookies, we
use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology with 128k encryption, credit
card info is NOT viewable by anyone within CTF- we only receive
confirmation of any CC transaction from the CC companies. CTF takes
security and privacy VERY seriously.
9.
I registered for the CTF “message board”, am I automatically
registered for the event? I registered for the event, am I automatically
registered for the message board? What is the message board?
The
Cruise the Falls event and Cruise the Falls message board (http://messages.cruisethefalls.com)
are exclusive systems- they are NOT linked and do not share user
information between them. The message board was created to centralize
all CTF specific information instead of using the 20+ GOOD PT boards
on the net. The board does NOT have pop-ups, nor are email lists
sold/rented. You may receive a board update when a particular milestone
is met, or when you receive a private message from another user-
the email will come vie the board, your email address is NOT shown
to anyone at that site.
You
MUST register at the message board to see all 10+ forums ranging
from General Info, Q&A, Apparel updates, even Jokes. Unfortunately,
due to a few individuals, we had to implement this register-to-view/post
policy. It actually works very well. As of Feb 1st 2005, over 400 users
are registered and there are over 140,000 posts. The staff are always
on-line ready to answer any question that you may have. Contact
us if you have any issues registering there.
10.
I am coming from the USA, what documents do I need to cross
the border? Is anything special required for kids or pets? Does
my PT need special insurance? What are the import and custom details
when I come back to the USA? What is this I hear about a G.S.T.
rebate? What is G.S.T.?
Basically,
2 forms of I.D. MAY be required when you enter Canada- one should
be a photo I.D., driver’s license, passport, birth certificate.
These MAY be requested, they may not, but please have your I.D.
ready just in case. If the border patrols asks where you are going,
you are going to THE PT Cruiser event- chances are, they know about
this event and will smile.
PASSPORTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO ENTER CANADA OR THE U.S.A. THE NEW BORDER SECURITY MEASURES DO NOT TAKE EFFECT UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2007. Read more HERE.
If
you have small children, have their birth certificates as well.
If you are travelling ALONE with small kids, carry a signed letter
from the other parent if possible, just in case you are asked.
Pets
require proof of rabies inoculations.
GST
is a 7% tax, payable on almost everything. If you are visiting
here from the USA, you might be eligible for a GST rebate. Grab
a pamphlet from the border, or hotel desk, or maybe its in your
goody bag, all details are within.
More
info on customs and required I.D. are available on the “Directions”
page, follow the link at the top of this page. Its under the sub-header
“USA Traveler Info” ((click here to go there now)
)
11.
What is the USA/Canadian exchange? Where is the best place
to exchange US money? Will places there take USD?
The
US/Canadian exchange rate is constantly changing. CTF is the only
event that we know of, that offers payments in US or CDN dollars.
All prices at the raffle table, or T shirt table, are shown in US
and CDN dollars, with a FAIR exchange rate. As of Feb 1st,
we offer real-time exchange rates when paying with credit card,
or 15% if paying with check. For example, $1 USD is worth $1.15
CDN. The credit card companies seem to offer $1.18 as of Feb.
1st. All places here WILL ACCEPT USD but may only offer
15-18% exchange. There are many places to exchange money including
the duty-free stores at the borders, perhaps at a money exchange
kiosk. We recommend that you get Cdn currency BEFORE arriving here,
for the best rates.
12.
Are neon lights, washer nozzle lights, strobes, allowed on
the streets in Canada/Niagara Falls?
Generally,
all the above are no-no’s here. Note however, that BLUE LIGHTS
are reserved for SNOW PLOWS, not emergency vehicles, so running
with blue neons or blue washer nozzles isn’t really criminal, but
its an officer’s call. Our advice, DON’T RUN THEM. HOWEVER, on
Friday and Saturday, we will basically own Niagara Falls, and they
all welcome our attendance, so we should have privledges. Strobes
are reserved for parking lots, please.
13.
Where is the main hotel? Where is the “show-lot”? Where
is the BBQ?
Please
check the DIRECTIONS pages.
There are 2 pages of maps starting with a regional map,
down to a local map with street names, the Falls, and even a Wal-Mart
shown. The main hotel is the Quality Inn on Clifton Hill, Niagara
Falls Canada. Clifton Hill is the main tourist area in Niagara
Falls. It’s a 500 foot walk from viewing the American Falls. The
“show-lot”, where everything happens on the Saturday and Friday
night, is right at the hotel, in the back. It’s the grassy lot,
just passed the paved over-flow lot. If you are at the hotel, you
can see the show lot.
The
BBQ is 5 miles from this lot, down the Niagara Falls Parkway. See
the maps pages for all details.
14.
Are there other hotels offering special rates?
Yes-
please see the accommodations link on the homepage.
15.
What is the weather like there in June?
Good
question- on average, late June is supposed to be 75 F, about 24
C, however, like all forecasts, it’s subject to change. For the
previous 3 events, we have seen that the evenings are somewhat cooler,
the days ranged from very hot and humid, to 4 hours of rain. Pack
one of everything, be prepared.
16.
Is there a car wash on site? Nearby?
Yes-
please see the event map on the directions page.
17.
How do I become a vendor at the event? Do I also register?
What is the cost?
Vendors
are invited to attend- please notify us prior to showing up however.
We have to lay out the lot based on space requirements, and to ensure
that you might not be next to a competitor. Over the years, we
have had PT parts vendors, wax/polish people, graphics vendors,
and other smaller sellers. If you are coming from the U.S.A., there
are special vendoring requirements that YOU must make with your
local Custom’s office. Typically, items sold in Canada are subject
to taxes so you MAY have to pre-pay a tax on items that you are
bringing into Canada, then submit that tax to customs when you leave
Canada. Cruise the Falls is NOT exempt from any local/National
laws in this regard, so all this pre-arrangement MUST be made by
you/your company so that you do not get stopped at the border and
your goods potentially seized.
The
vendor cost is a “recovery” cost- I have to pay for a site fee and
expect to recuperate that fee based on the vendors that arrive.
Based on that fee, AND what you/your company DONATE TO THE RAFFLE
TABLE, your vendoring fee will vary. Typically, its about $20 USD
for a small vendor, $50 for a larger one, ASSUMING YOU WILL DONATE
TO THE RAFFLE TABLE (did I say that enough times??) One of the
staff will be around Saturday to collect. His name is Guido.
18.
How can I become a DONOR/SPONSOR? What do I get in return?
What are the different Sponsorship levels?
CTF
has set up four “Sponsorship” levels, these are based on the retail
value of your donation to the event- whether in cash for goods,
or goods for the raffles. Cash for good include the tent rentals,
outhouse rentals, insurance sponsorship, or cash that we use to
purchase items for the raffle table. We also acknowledge companies
who sponsor the Staff T shirts or expenses for example. If you
require a formal donation-request, sponsorship letter, please email
us at sponsorship@cruisethefalls.com.
In
return for ANY donation to the event, your name, or company name,
it listed on the website- a site that gets WELL OVER 1,000,000 hits
a season, mention in the program, free ad-space on the CTF message
board, and a product placement/donation mention at the raffle table.
SPONSORS receive the same PLUS a linking image on the sponsorship
page, the privilege to have their flier inserted into each goody
bag, mention in the event program, plus a bulk email to all registrants,
via us, advertising your attendance and products. We reserve the
right to accept what products/values are considered appropriate
for this event, Trojan Condoms need NOT apply. Again, to discuss
further, please contact us at sponsorship@cruisethefalls.com
19.
What is my registration number? Is there an attendee list?
Can I see where everyone is coming from?
All
REGISTERED PT Cruiser owners have access to that information. Go
to http://registration.cruisethefalls.com
and log-in like you did when you first registered. Once you are
in, click View Registrants at the top left. In a few moments, a
graph will appear showing the quantity of registrants and a breakdown
of colours. Further down are all the registrants FIRST NAMES or
BADGE ID NAMES (last name is NOT shown), and where they are coming
from. If you would like to contact a particular person, please
ask us to do it for you to ensure privacy.
NEW: an attendee list, and a where-from list can now be seen HERE at the message board Breaking News forum. Look for the topics titled "Attendee List" and "Where Y'all Coming From".
20.
Do you have an event flier that I can print and help promote
the event? Do you have any business cards?
Yes-
watch for a flier to be posted soon.
20b.
I am interested in doing an event like CTF, what advice can you
offer?
Email
me, info@cruisethefalls.com
and I can help you out.
21.
Agenda
Click here.
22.
What else can I do in Niagara Falls? Are kids welcome?
Niagara
Falls is brimming with activities for the WHOLE FAMILY- there are
two Casinos within walking distance of the main hotel, Clifton Hill
is littered with tourist attractions and a few bars, there is Marineland,
and shopping, an amusement arcade right at the hotel, as well, the
Niagara Parks Commission administers many attractions along the
main road (River Rd/Niagara Falls Parkway) including Maid of the
Mist, Tours Behind the Falls, a Whirlpool trip, …… The possibilities
are endless.
**New for 2005, discounts passes are avaialble for CTF attendees at Marineland, Skylon Tower, Classic Iron Motorcyclke museum (50% off), Niagara Falls Aviary, and the Niagara parks Discovery pass. Read more about that HERE.
Please take a moment and search the internet for Niagara
Falls and plan your trip, with or without your family.
Here
are a few sites to start you out:
http://www.cliftonhill.com
http://www.niagaraparks.com
http://www.infoniagara.com/
23.
Can I bring my pet (dog)?
Pets
are permitted at the event field. Niagara Parks does not allow
dogs at any of their parks where there is a pool, even a wading
pool. This includes Queenston Heights Park, where the BBQ is held.
However, we have seen dogs there, but not near the small pool and
away from everyone, so it should be okay.
24.
I require handicapped parking- how do I get a spot?
The
whole event is held on a grass lot. We have reserved parking for
those that require it near the outhouse/vendor row. It is about
15 feet back from the paved road. Although its not perfect, it’s
the best that we can offer on the grass lot.
The
hotel (regardless of which one you are in) will have reserved parking
in THEIR lots, identified by a BLUE WHEELCHAIR. Your U.S. permit
is recognized in Canada, but please contact your hotel just to be
sure. At the event, just flash your permit and we will direct you
to the parking area.
25.
I hear that the hotel parking lot gets pretty full- can I reserve
my parking spot if I leave for a while? Can I park next to my hotel
room? Can I park in the “show-lot” overnight? Is my vehicle safe
at the hotel?
NO!
The insurance will NOT cover your vehicle there, as well, it makes
it VERY HARD for us to regulate the attendees and control the parking.
Please do NOT leave your PT in the “show lot” Friday night as we
have no control in that park which is used by many people going
to/from the casino on Clifton Hill.
Reserving
your spot at the hotel is NOT recommended. Some people last year
thought that they deserved their spot and brought their OWN parking
cones- this is neither fair, nor will it be tolerated this time.
Fortunately, this event is very friendly and everyone knows everyone
SO feel free to double park with another PT. Just do NOT block
any fire routes as that is against local laws, even at the hotel.
If you have to leave, leave, and you will find a pal to park next
to when you get back. HOWEVER, almost everything you need is within
walking distance of the hotel anyways. Sit back, enjoy your stay.
26.
Last year, you used a WIRELESS RADIO system- I could hear show announcements over my PT's FM radio, are you doing that again?
YES! Last
year, a music company in Kitchener donated a wireless transmitter and it was run by Brad at Exeter Music. It uses an FM
transmitter on the field, and broadcasts to ALL PT Cruisers within 1
mile of the show lot. We will still still have remote speakers and such,
BUT, all PT can tune to a fixed FM frequency (100.3 FM in 2004), and based on pre-assigned
times throughout the day, you will be able to hear all announcements,
prize give-aways, spot prizes, as well as the music which the DJ
plays, right in your PT!!! This will also help with the Saturday
morning line-up and Sat evening departure. Thanks to Chris Riding and Sherwood Systems for sponsoring the DJ gear and transmitter for CTF5.
CTF
Staff
