ThisWeek CW 07/16/2015
http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/07/13/cars-take-center-stage-at-eighth-annual-cruise-in.html
Canal Winchester car buffs are invited to show off their rides at the eighth annual Cruise-In Car Show to be held in conjunction with the final Music & Art in the Park summer concert series on Friday, July 17.
The free event is scheduled from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Stradley Place, 36 S. High St. Food concessions will be available, although picnics are welcome and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets because seating is limited.
One person who will be on the minds of many at the car show this year is the late Bob McDorman, longtime owner of Bob McDorman Chevrolet in Canal Winchester and a well-known collector of cars and automotive memorabilia.
McDorman sold his dealership in 2011 to Wyler Automotive, but retained a 15-percent interest so he could officially retire after 50 years in business. He died May 27, just a few months shy of his goal.
The Cruise-In Car Show is now sponsored by Jeff Wyler Chevrolet.
“In recent years, Jeff Wyler Chevrolet has graciously stepped up to take on the sponsorship of the Music & Art in the Park Cruise-in, providing awards and dash plaques for the registrants,” Mayor Michael Ebert said. “We really appreciate everything they are doing for Canal Winchester.
“We will be saying a few words about Bob McDorman as well, as a former sponsor, and how he is already and will be missed by our community in the future,” he added.
Cruise-In awards will include People’s Choice, Mayor’s Choice, Band’s Choice, Sponsor’s Choice and Farthest Traveled. Complimentary dash plaques will be given to the first 50 registrants.
Participants can register from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. the evening of the event or register online.
Ebert, who still owns the 1967 Pontiac GTO he had purchased in 1978, said he hopes the weather cooperates to encourage a good turnout. He said while he enjoys picking the Mayor’s Choice award winner, it is the People’s Choice that he sees as the real prize.
“I don’t get many opportunities to show my ’67 any more, but the very first time I did, it was early 1980 at the Cavalcade of Cars and Stars at the fairgrounds and I won the People’s Choice award over more than 300 other vehicles,” Ebert said.
“As a judge for the Mayor’s Choice, I generally lean toward originality of the ’50s- and ’60s-era vehicles, but I have chosen rods and custom cars in the past that have wowed me.
“All restored vehicles are a great pleasure to view as they truly are pieces of art.”
In addition to live music and other performances at Music & Art in the Park, several family-friendly activities are planned.
“The series concludes with musical entertainment from the Gas Pump Jockeys, performance art by Joy Unspeakable Productions, and balloon animals by BugaBoo the Clown,” said Amanda Lemke, events and communications coordinator for the city. “Other activities will include games and photo props by Canal Winchester pageant queens and children’s crafts, courtesy of Goddard School.
“Also, the Canal Winchester Art Guild artists will offer art displays and live demonstrations, as well as some pieces for purchase.”