Calling all cars for the cruise-in
By Fran Odyniec
Editor
If you aren’t too sure as to what those lyrics mean, you will be able to find out this coming Saturday at the 10th annual Plain City Classic Car Cruise-In when 200 or more classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles happily invade Main Street from Chillicothe to Park Street and a few points in between. Those streets will close down at 9 a.m. for the official opening of the cruise-in at 11 a.m.
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with hoods up, doors open, and a lot of pride, owners of what Uptown Plain City Organization’s (UPCO) Julie Weaver calls “any make or model imaginable” will gladly tell the tales behind their machines and even explain the meaning behind three deuces, a four-speed, and a 389. (Answers later)
Weaver, promotion chairperson for UPCO and secretly a fan of an OPEL GT, expects well over 2,000 folks to stroll up and down Main Street.
“Everywhere you look,” she promised, “you will see bright, shiny cars. Mix in the aromas from the food vendors, the sound of oldies, and the raffles and trivia contests on Lovejoy’s Plaza with a backdrop of Plain City’s historic streetscape and you have the ideal stage for the cruise-in.”
She said that classic car owners prefer displaying their vehicles “on the street” instead of a parking lot.
“Place those vehicles in front of buildings like Main Street Treasures, Wise Brothers, Plain City Pub, Security Bank and the buildings in the area ‘under the clock,’ and you create a relaxing and inviting setting that encourages leisurely chats with the car owners.”
“You want to talk about cars, this is a good place to meet people who like what I like,” said Dennis Ward, of Asheville, who was a first-timer with his 1969 Chevy Nova SuperSport at last year’s cruise-in.
“Come hungry,” Weaver suggested. “There’ll be hot dogs, brats, ice cream, pop, and snow cones among other tasty and refreshing treats and raffles for all kinds of electronic devices.”
“And be sure to wear a hat, sunglasses, and bring along some sunscreen,” she reminded.
Bob Chapman Ford of Marysville, the major sponsor of the 10th annual Plain City Classic Car Cruise-in, traces its roots back to 1913 and to the building across Main Street from Lovejoy’s Plaza.
“There will be something special to mark Chapman’s 100th anniversary,” Weaver promised.
For the younger set, AGAPE Church will hold kids games on the lawn of the Plain City Public Library.
“The library has graciously given us the use of their lawn,” continued Weaver. “They will be closed for the cruise-in.”
Weaver also pointed out the roles that the village plays in the cruise-in.
“We get huge support from the Plain City Police Department, the Village Council and the Public Works Department,” she said. “They are the key to the set up, the street closures, and for making the cruise-in as safe as it can be.”
Vehicle registration and check-in is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the cruise-in’s information center at Lovejoy’s Plaza, 204 W. Main St. Registration is $10. Those entrants who plan to participate in the London Rib and Jazz Festival’s car show on Friday, Aug. 3, will receive a discount of $5 on entry fees for the cruise-in. Awards ceremony for winners in 19 categories will begin at 4 p.m. Included in the awards are the coveted “Best in Show,” “Mayor’s Choice,” “Police Choice,” and “Village Council Choice,” among others.
Plain City’s certified master ice carver, Greg Butauski, of Rock on Ice, will carve the “Best in Show” award (out of wood, not ice).
Last year, Chuck Sailor, of Columbus, received one of the Top 50 awards for his 1953 saddle brown Chevy probably best summed up what makes the difference for those car enthusiasts who exhibit at a cruise-in.
“That old man standing of the corner and gives me the thumbs up,” said Sailor. “That’s the real trophy.”
Proceeds from the 10th annual Plain City Classic Car Cruise-In benefit the Uptown Plain City Organization with $1 of each registration fee going to the Friends of the Plain City Public Library.
For more information and registration, go to upco.web.officelive.com or call (614) 561-3322.
