Despite the heat and early rain, Bellville’s cruise-in drew a variety of makes and models to Main Street on Friday evening. Main Street was closed to showcase the dozens of collectible, antique and in some cases rare show pieces presented by locals and visitors alike. Car enthusiasts came from all over Ohio to show off their pride and joy and to admire that of their counterparts.
“I’ve been collecting for about 40 years, since 1978,” said Paul Snyder of Bellville. Snyder had three cars in the show, one a Blue 1948 Chrysler Windsor was a replica of his first ‘courting car’ back in the day. The blue Chrysler took a few years to restore to show condition.
Snyder also shared the story of how he procured a 1949 Coronet Sedan. “It was found in mint condition, if you can believe, in the barn of the old funeral home my family once owned here on Main Street.”
The Snyder family shares a common love for the collectible automobiles. “I’ve been coming every year for the past six years,” Jim Snyder, brother of Paul Snyder said.
“It’s a complete community project and all volunteer based,” said Nancy White who is part of the car show committee.
Many of the cars were on display around the bandstand and even more stretched down Main Street. Dash plaques were given to the first 150 to register for the show and Tall Timber Wings made their infamous wings available to the hungry crowd. Entertainment was provided by DJ Glenn and Blue Grass music by Fire Ridge also performed.
“We come every year for the last four years, it’s a lot of fun,” said entertainer DJ Glenn. All proceeds raised by the 50/50 raffle drawing went to benefit the Special Olympics and the veterans.
Door prizes were awarded to participants whose names were pulled from a raffle, Harold Dailey of Lexington won a gift certificate to KC Steak House. Dailey had a ‘Flaming Red’ 1972 International Pick-up on display. Bob Griggs of Ontario received a Der Dutchman buffet certificate. Griggs had a 1964 Thunderbird convertible and Jim Snyder of Bellville had a 1952 Yellow MGTD Roadster registered in the show that won him a Penzoil shirt.
With stock rims, pristine paint jobs and enthusiastic socializing, one more successful year of a culture of years gone by parked, as Smokey Robinson once put,”Cruzin Together’, the past revs up Main Street, Bellville as a prime location.
