Cruise-A-Palooza in town
Hundreds of people and cars will fill Main Street as the Rodfathers of Butler group holds its 16th annual Cruise-A-Palooza from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday.
"It is a day that people can still bring their kids to and have fun," said Ed Michael, activities director for the Rodfathers.
The free event will feature live entertainment and cars ranging from antiques and classics to race cars and dragsters.
This year's car cruise also will feature more live entertainment than previous events.
"Most car cruises don't have live entertainment. It brings a lot of people to the event," said Michael, a 10-year member of the Rodfathers.
Four bands will be showcased, the most ever at the cruise.
The band Mass Transit will kick off the event, playing from 10 a.m. to noon.
Slippery Rock-based band Street Level will play from noon to 2:30 p.m., with a 30-minute break at 1 p.m. During the break, Connells ATA will perform a Taekwondo demonstration.
Nervous Energy, a band from Chicora, will play from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. The band will have a 30-minute break at 3:30 p.m., when Kevin Cramer will perform his magic act.
The evening will be capped off with a performance by the Cincinnati band The Legends, who will perform from 5 to 6 and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The drawing for the 50/50 raffle at 7:30 p.m. will conclude the festivities.
In addition, merchandise and food vendors will be selling items throughout the day.
"There will be a very good variety of food," Michael said. "Everyone will be able to find something they like."
The weather can play a large part in determining how many people attend.
"Rain or shine, it will go on," said Lou Osche, treasurer of the Rodfathers, "but we like the shine part."
Michael, with the help of Rodfathers vice president John Malinski, group member Carol Landis and the rest of the group, began planning for the event in January.
"The reaction of the crowd and seeing people having a great time is the most rewarding part," Osche said.
Due to the high volume of people and expensive cars, the Rodfathers have asked that those attending not bring dogs, bicycles or skateboards.
Also open Sunday during Cruise-A-Palooza will be the Butler County Heritage Center, 119 W. New Castle St., and the Little Red Schoolhouse on East Jefferson Street, both from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission to the Heritage Center is $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 5 to 17. Admission to the schoolhouse is free. Both sites are administered by the Butler County Historical Society, which can be reached at 724-283-8116.
