Three-year-old Howard Bellis admires a monster-truck-like car from the shoulders of Jacob Black of Butler, who stands alongside Howard's mother, Biidaw Morin, of Butler, at Sunday's Cruise-A-Palooza on Butler's Main Street.

Hot rods, muscle cars and beyond lined Butler's Main Street on Sunday as Cruise-A-Palooza made its return from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nearly 1,500 cars parked along Main Street and its side streets, according to event organizer Dan Cunningham, member of the Rodfathers of Butler.

“We had a really good turnout,” Cunningham said. “The folks here are really happy to see it back.”

Three-year-old Howard Bellis was in awe of a particular car raised up on an adjustable suspension. He was just barely taller than the vehicle, sitting on top of the shoulders of Jacob Black, of Butler, who walked alongside Howard's mother, Biidaw Morin, of Butler.

“I remember seeing it years back,” Black said. “It's here every year.”

Howard's eyes lit up as he took in the unique car.

“He loves monster trucks,” Morin said.For some in the crowd, this was their first experience with Cruise-A-Palooza.Nick and April Young brought their children, Linton and Willow Young. Linton pointed out a red truck that was his favorite. Willow didn't really have a favorite, but she mostly liked the new cars.Nick Young said the family moved to the area in 2019, shortly after that year's Cruise-A-Palooza, and then the pandemic canceled last year's event.Nick Young said he was happy to be able to experience this year's cruise with his family.“I grew up going to old car shows, so I thought it would be cool to check this one out,” he said.While some cars showed off the latest and greatest upgrades, others stuck to the classic aesthetic.Ken Edinboro, of Butler, brought his 1927 Ford Model T, a car he said has never left the state since it was built. He said all of the car's major parts still have the original serial number, and only a handful of modern parts, mostly involving safety, have been added.“You don't see many like this driving around,” he said.

Dan Pernell of Butler, brought three vehicles, all a blend of classic and modern looks, each unique and custom made.Pernell said he builds all his vehicles on late model C6 Corvette chassis, and then he customizes them from there.Pernell brought his bright orange 1940 Pontiac. Pernell said he had to stretch the body to match the frame, a few inches here and there.“These cars were very narrow when they were made,” he said. “Everything was custom made at our shop (in Butler,) that includes the interior,” he said.Like most people, Pernell said it was a great day for a car show with the sun shining and temperature in the 70s.“I like to show the people what we build and enjoy the crowd,” he said.Beyond the cars, the cruise featured food, music and many raffles. One of those raffles was conducted by the Rodfathers of Butler, who also sold shirts at a stall beneath the Penn Theatrer sign.According to Cunningham, all proceeds at all of the Rodfathers' events are donated to charities at the end of the year.“This is our biggest cruise we work with and do every year,” he said.At the end of the year, all the proceeds will be divided into eight equal parts and given to charities, and they're not always the same.“We're always looking for new charities,” Cunningham said.

Left, Frank Pascarella, of Sarver, and Mike Woodward, of Center Township, take a look into the engine of an older model of car Sunday.

Dan Pernell, of Butler, stands in front of the three cars he brought to Cruise-A-Palooza on Butler’s Main Street on Sunday.Nathan Bottiger/Butler Eagle