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HAMMONTON—Thousands of people traveled back in time to an era of classic cars and hoop skirts during the Cruisin’ MainStreet event on May 17.
Even though the event starts at 5 p.m., some cars were parking in “their spot” before 8 a.m. according to Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel.
He said Cruisin’ is a great event the town has been doing for decades and it brings a historic feel to downtown when people used to cruise.
During Cruisin’ Paul Morris DanceXplosion performed “Greased Lightnin’” and then children participated in the ‘50s dress-up contest, hula hoop contest and bubble blowing contest.
MainStreet Assistant Program Coordinator Robin Ford was in charge of making sure the Cruisin’ event was a success. Ford has helped Angela Donio with the event for six years.
Ford estimates there were about 250 classic cars parked downtown during Cruisin’.
“It’s something I never had a chance to experience, so it kind of takes me back to my parents when they would talk about their ‘50s cars and stuff,” Ford said.
Tom Harrison, who is originally from Hammonton, was cleaning his 1974 Cuda when The Gazette spoke with him. He said it’s one of the only car shows he has done for the past 30 years, and it’s a great way to see his friends.
Some people have attended Cruisin’ for decades, but for Executive Director of Croydon Haunted Hollows Colleen Prendergast of Bucks County, Pa. it was her first year at the event. She parked a 1989 Cadillac Brougham Hearst next to The Shoppes on Bellevue Ave. The non-profit Croydon Haunted Hallows gives children with special needs a sensory friendly Halloween experience.
Atlantic County Clerk Joseph Giralo brought his Model A Ford Roadster. He is one of the founding members of the Cruisin’ Classics Auto Club in 1991, and several club members were in attendance with their cars.
“I love to see everyone,” he said.
During the event, the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Society had a raffle for 2024 Trail Blazer Ford LT valued at $26,980.
One new thing this year was free root beer floats at Retro Renegades, Ford said.
The Cruisin’ MainStreet event brought in thousands of people to the downtown district and continues to be a great event for people of all ages.
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