Revving Up
The 17th Butler Cruise-A-Palooza on Sunday is expected to attract more than 40,000 visitors downtown, said Ed Michael, activities director for the Rodfathers of Butler Car Club, which hosts the event.
If the weather is good, the club expects between 1,000 and 1,500 antique cars to show up. “The weather's 90 percent of it,” Michael said. As of Thursday, the prediction is for a partly cloudy 78 degree day with only a 10 percent chance of rain.
The Cruise-A-Palooza will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, but some roads downtown will close as early as 9 a.m., Michael said, “to get everyone situated.”
Entertainment will include four disc jockeys providing music throughout the day on Main Street.
Bands scheduled to perform are Nervous Energy at 11:45 a.m., Mass Transit at 2 p.m. and The Earthquakers at 4 p.m. Visitors should take chairs to use while listening to the bands in front of the courthouse.
“This is a totally free event for everybody,” Michael said. “We have a great group of donors and businesses that keep this a free event.”
Fundraising will be in the form of a Chinese auction at Diamond Park. Michael said proceeds will go to the Zamperini family whose members recently were struck by another vehicle while driving their classic car. “This is what car clubs do,” Michael said. “They help each other out.”
About 20 food vendors and 30 other vendors selling wares from car wax to handbags will be on site. “We try to get a good variety for everybody to look at,” Michael said.
Face painting, balloons and popcorn will be provided for children.
“It's just a great day for everybody,” Michael said.
For more information, visit the website www.therodfathers.com.
No bicycles, skateboards or dogs will be allowed.
