MANSFIELD — The 28th annual Heart of the City Cruise-In is roaring into the Richland County Fairgrounds on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.
This year’s gathering of hot rods, classic cars and vintage vehicles will take place about four miles from its traditional location in downtown Mansfield due to on-going work related to the city’s Main Street Corridor Improvement project.
“(The fairgrounds is) a great venue,” Kathi Cutlip-Mills, who’s heavily involved with organizing the event, said back in March. “Everything is flat and it’s all consolidated.”
She said there should not be any issues fitting the amount of cars the cruise-in displays — about 700 — around the fairgrounds.
The annual car show remains free to attend for spectators. Those in need of assistance to travel from the parking lots into the fairgrounds can be transported via passenger golf carts.
Cafeterias at the fairgrounds will be open the day of the cruise-in, along with a few specialty food vendors, Cutlip-Mills said.
“It should be a real fun day,” she said. “We get a lot (of spectators) downtown, but we’re hoping they do come (to the fairgrounds).”
Cruise-in to feature live music, craft and sports card shows
Early bird entry to the fairgrounds begins at 6 a.m., according to the event’s website.
Live music will be featured throughout the six-hour cruise-in. Performances include The Heartbroke Band from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., The Sensational Soul Brothers from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and Ohio Express from 3 to 5 p.m.
An awards ceremony will follow from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Additional events are also planned for Saturday during the cruise-in, including a craft show in the youth hall and craft building and a sports card show in Fairhaven Hall.
A full guide to this year’s cruise-in, along with a free digital program, can be found on the event’s website, linked here.
