Published: August 18, 2008 01:31 pm            

Big wheels | Mopar club will sponsor cruise-in around Central Park

BY RUTH RICE

RRICE@TRIBDEM.COM

Johnstown FolkFest events will get some muscle when classic car enthusiasts motor onto downtown streets.

Cruisin’ the Flood City, sponsored by Laurel Highlands Mopar Club, will be held Aug. 30 on various streets in downtown Johnstown, centering around Central Park. The show starts at noon.

Otis Boykin, the club’s recording secretary, said this is the second year his group has held a car show during FolkFest, but it is the first one to be held at Central Park.

“Last year, we had it at Point Stadium,” said Boykin, who works in the city’s finance department.

“Since I work with the city, someone said, ‘Why not have it at the Point?’ ”

The year before, the club had its show at Lorain Borough Park, so this will be the second show in downtown Johnstown.

“The city has worked well with us,” said Boykin. “They want us to bring something to the downtown to show off the city.”

Many downtown streets will be blocked off to accommodate show participants.

Boykin said there will be barriers at Locust and Market streets, Main and Market, Lincoln and Market, Franklin and Washington, Franklin and Locust and Franklin and Lincoln.

“We will have someone at the barriers determining if people are looking for parking or wanting to be in the show,” Boykin said.

“Those in the cruise-in will be able to come through and park.

“We’ll direct those looking for parking to local garages and lots.”

The club chose FolkFest weekend for its show because it knew it could get a good crowd.

“Last year, the walk-in crowd from FolkFest was humongous,” Boykin said. “The people I talked to enjoyed it and wondered if we were coming back next year.”

Boykin added that while his event is held in conjunction with the city, it is separate from FolkFest.

Laurel Highlands Mopar Club has between 40 and 50 members, about 90 percent of them from the Johnstown area.

“The show is open to all makes and models,” Boykin said. “Just bring them in and show them off.”

Last year, the club awarded trophies and gave away about 50 awards, but this year, there will be no registration, judging or trophies for the show-and-shine event.

“We got a good turnout last year, and we’re hoping for 200-plus cars this year,” said Boykin.

Musical entertainment will be provided by the band Paul Revere’s Horse, a DJ and other musicians.

Clowns will be on hand to entertain the children.

A Chinese auction will feature baskets containing automotive accessories and discount tickets for area restaurants.

Some local churches have expressed an interest to sell food for the cruise-in, but refreshments will be available mainly at nearby downtown restaurants.

Proceeds from the auction and 50/50 ticket sales will benefit the YWCA of Greater Johnstown.



Car show

What: Cruisin’ the Flood City, sponsored by Laurel Highlands Mopar Club.

Where: Central Park, downtown Johnstown.

When: Noon Aug. 30.

Admission: Free.

Information: 288-8657.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.