Time on Main Street, Kutztown will be turned back as far as the 1930s and 40s July 25 for the first annual Kutztown Kruizz.
Car buffs will line the street with their vehicles from three to six p.m. and then will make the short cruise to the borough park, where they will participate in car related activities and watch the movie, “American Graffiti.”
Proceeds from the event will go to help support Kutztown Strong, a community coalition of concerned citizens’ established last April to address substance abuse issues in Kutztown and surrounding regions. It was formed to make a difference in the prevention and treatment of substance abuse among children, teens, and young adults through the creation of a safe, fun environment for young people. “We’re hoping this will be the first of many car cruises in the future,” said Kelley Neyhart, Community Options and activities chair of the organization.
The planning and implementation of the event will be done by antique car buffs with experience in the field. To facilitate traffic flow, according to Robert Hayle, staging facilitator, cars will be staged in the Kutztown High School parking lot and conducted to Main Street in groups, where the event will take place. Line-up will be on a first come, first served basis with accommodations made for those wishing to park together.
The first 200 people to arrive will receive a dash plaque for their automobiles. There will also be raffle tickets and goodie bags available. The schedule for the day starts at 1:30 pm for registration, however participants can register online, by phone, or by mail prior to the event. Registration is charged for participants, though, the event is free for anyone not entering their car in the cruise.
Staging of the cars on Main Street officially begins at 2:30 pm. The car displays and activities on Main Street will last from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. This event is not just a car cruise, however, as there is an after party ending in the park as soon as the cruise comes to an end. The after party includes car related activities, a 60’s concert in the band-shell, and the movie “American Graffiti” shown on the lawn.
“Kutztown Kruizz is going to be a fun, exciting, and upbeat event. It will be organized, relaxed, and a great way to get involved with the community,” said Halye. “You will cruise in, get lunch or dinner, spend some time in the Kutztown shops and restaurants, and then finish off the day in the park with a few great activities.”
The Kutztown Bicentennial Committee and Kutztown Community Partnership are sponsoring the event in support of the local group. “This event will be different from past car events held in Kutztown because there will be many businesses and restaurants offering specials for the day on Main Street,” said Neyhart.
Kutztown Kruizz will kick off the Bicentennial Celebration in Kutztown. The celebration is a week of events held at the end of July in honor of Kutztown’s 200th anniversary.
