ASHTABULA —
Rain couldn’t wreck the fun at the 6th Annual “NAZ CAR” Cruise-In Saturday at Ashtabula First Church of the Nazarene on 1820 South Ridge Road. The antique and custom vehicle show got off to a drizzly start, but ended under sunshine.
Matt McKee, coordinator of the event said, “Last year was rained out due to lots of showers and we were afraid it would be too muddy. We still had about a dozen vehicles. 2010 had about 400 people on the grounds and I believe 128 vehicles, the most we have ever had. We have a solid following each year.”
Despite some rain this year, 35 vehicles including cars, trucks and motorcycles cruised in for the show. About 150 attended.
Eighteen trophies were given out for first and second place for cars, trucks and motorcycles. Trophies are awarded by people's choice for their favorite vehicle by type and year.
As always, admission to the event was free. The guests were treated to flavored popcorn, hot dogs and other snacks at no cost. The church relies on donations from members, cash donations at the show and some small business sponsors.
The Hamilton Road Quartet from Columbus entertained the crowd by singing Southern Gospel. The group has performed in several locations in Ohio and Pennsylvania, and is scheduled to play at the Ohio State Fairgrounds in 2013.
First Church of the Nazarene began the cruise-in out of a desire by the church’s senior pastor, Mike Legg, to preach from a 57 Chevy. Last year his wife bought him a turquoise and white 1957 Chevy as a birthday present. The car was at the show with a story in the back windshield.
“My first car was also a turquoise and white 1957 Chevy,” the pastor’s story began. “In the Fall of 1968, my senior year, a friend and I went squirrel hunting. While out hunting, the car was totaled.”
Others who took part in the show told stories of their vintage vehicles as well. Alvin Williams from Pierpont brought Whistler, an army truck, that was used during the Vietnam War. It was then transferred back to the United States and used by the West Virginia National Guard. Dave and Shari Hazeltine drove in their 1947 Chevy pickup truck. Shari told me they had a lot of fun on Route 66 when they took the pickup to a car and truck show in Arizona.
“Car shows/cruise-ins have a unique following of people that love to restore and enjoy vintage vehicles,” McKee observed. “And this is a wonderful social outlet for many in the community. It also connects to an era from the past that is nostalgic for many. Many traditional values are held dear from this era as well as some great music and a lot of fun. We thought it would be great to get folks together and enjoy church in a way that it usually is not enjoyed around this area. The point is to build relationships and share the love of Jesus Christ with those in our community. One thing's for sure, the same crowd and many more keep showing up and saying they will be back next year!”
The cruise-in is held each year on the Saturday following Labor Day from 1 to 4 p.m. at Ashtabula First Church of the Nazarene on 1820 South Ridge Road. The next show will take place Sept. 7, 2013. All antique and custom cars, trucks and motorcycles are welcome to participate.
Pinelli is a freelance writer.
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