Butler car show reaches 30th anniversary
What began decades ago as a small gathering of people in Butler brought together by vintage cars will celebrate its 30th anniversary with the annual Cruise-A-Palooza, organized by the Rodfathers of Butler, on Sunday, June 22.
From 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Main Street in downtown Butler will feature a variety of vehicles, from some classics dating all the way back to the 1930s to a diverse range of newer automobiles.
Dan Cunningham, publicity director for the Rodfathers of Butler, said Cruise-A-Palooza recently has seen an average turnout of 1,500 to 2,000 cars, with participants ranging from Butler County residents to out-of-state visitors.
Cunningham said he expects something similar for this year, if not more.
“It looks like it will be a good day on Sunday, so closer to 2,000 (cars) than 1,500” Cunningham said.
John Malinski, the president of the Rodfathers of Butler, said that in addition to the car show, the event has food and live music — bands and disco jockeys — for attendees. Not only that, but there will be a new cash raffle and auction items, as well as an Elvis impersonator.
“We started with a few guys getting together and it just got bigger and bigger,” Malinski said. “We just keep adding stuff.”
At the heart of this car show is charity. Cunningham said that revenue from sales, auctions and raffles will be donated to eight different charities in Butler County.
Cruise-A-Palooza is free to attend, whether it’s for car enthusiasts who want to show off their machines on wheels or casual car fans who simply want to enjoy an exhilarating walk down Main Street.
