The rumble of classic engines and the iconic melodies of the Beatles filled the air at Bulldog Park on Thursday, June 5, as Crown Point launched its annual summer Car Cruise. The event, a beloved summer tradition, will continue from 4-8 p.m. every Thursday through Sept. 25.
The first cruise night of the year brought together car enthusiasts from across the Region, showcasing a wide array of vintage and modified vehicles – from hot rods to a parade of Corvettes from all eras. The event also featured the start of Crown Point’s free summer concert series. The Fab III, a Beatles tribute band, and Kenny James & Rave On, a Buddy Holly tribute group, kicked off the season.
“It’s cool, like an old school throwback for us,” said Adam Graper, Crown Point’s PACE director. “The whole thing reminds me of my dad. It really brings back the 50’s and 60’s with all the cars and music.”
Graper noted that the musical lineup is different for each concert, and they explore a variety of genres and time periods. Each one is held at Bulldog Park’s Franciscan Health Amphitheater, usually paired with the car cruise but also special events such as the Taste of Crown Point and Wine Fest. Other artists set to perform on cruise nights include The Relics, Jimmy Holmes, Fortunate Sons, and more.
“If you don’t like the selections this week, you can come back next week and find something you might like,” he said. “We’ve got a really good mix of performers, so there should be something for everybody.”
Opening night drew a solid crowd, packing the park’s pavilion full of cars. Crown Creamery and Damo’s Dogs Hot Dog Cart also attended the event, providing food and sweet treats to visitors.
Gearheads and casual onlookers alike toured the rows of vehicles, chatting about their histories and modifications. One regular attendee is Jim Renn, who calls it his favorite cruise event in the Region.
“I love this city, I used to live in the first house right across the street from the park,” he said. “I come out here for the camaraderie with car people. I’ve probably made hundreds of friends at these events.”
Renn, who already scheduled his vacation days to line up with each cruise night in June, waited two hours in line before Bulldog Park’s gates opened in order to secure a premium spot for his lifted ‘99 Chevy Blazer.
“I’ve spent hundreds of hours working on this, it took me about four years to get it to where it is now,” he said. “When I see someone get excited about seeing it, I just feel joy. You don’t see very many Blazers fixed up like this anymore, so when somebody likes it, it makes me happy. I’ve had ‘69 Chevelles. I’ve had an ‘88 Camaro convertible, but this is the one I stuck with. It’s my favorite truck of all.”
For more information about the Crown Point Car Cruise, including notices about a handful of schedule changes, visit Crown Point’s official site here.
