Manchester's 12th Annual 'Cruisin' on Main Street' Set for Sunday

A magnificent mile of vintage vehicles representing over 100 years of automotive history, art and artistry awaits spectators at 2012.

This year’s event will take place on Sunday, August 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Main Street in Downtown Manchester. (Rain date, August 12, August 19.) Show car registration opens at 8 a.m.. Show car registration is $10 and spectators are FREE.

Cruisin’ on Main Street is a one-day cruise and show for antique and classic cars, trucks, sports cars and street rods 25 years old and prior. A one-mile stretch of Main Street in historic Downtown Manchester closes for Cruisin’, creating a plaza-like viewing area where attendees can stroll the street and take-in the art and engineering of our automotive history. Since its inception in 2001 Cruisin’ has showcased over 12,000 vintage vehicles and welcomed over 330,000 spectators. 

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Cruisin’ is pleased to continue its relationship with Presenting Sponsor, Taylor Rental Party Plus of Manchester. Owner, John Wilper, and his family have a history of appreciating vintage vehicles that date back to time spent in California in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s when Sunday meant participating in club meets with their 1956 Ford Pick-up. Their appreciation for vintage vehicles and business identity as a leader in special event, party and wedding rentals for over 40 years made presenting sponsorship a perfect fit.

THE CRUISIN’ TOOL BOX OF FUN

While the cars are clearly the stars, Cruisin’ on Main provides a full range of activities and amenities to event attendees. Food, music, exhibits, shopping and fun are all a part of a day at Cruisin’.

CRUISIN’ MUSIC

Everyone knows that Cruisin’ and the music of yesteryear go hand-in-hand.

Oldies music and a running commentary on Cruisin’ happenings will be provided by Good Time Rock ‘n Roll 102.9 DRC-FM. On Air Personality, Mike Stevens, will broadcast live from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. from the sidewalk in front of Katherine’s Hair Design and State Farm Insurance. The always popular DRC event van will serve-up music and fun next to the Cruisin’ Forest Street Lot Food Court.

You will almost be able to feel the ocean breeze when member bands of The North East Surf Music Alliance perform in Forest Street Lot Food Court. Four surf music groups - The Crustaceans, 9th Wave, The Aquatudes, and The Clams - will perform throughout the day beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing through 3 p.m.

Join the fun and dance with the folks from Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Vernon. Instructors from the Studio will be demonstrating the most popular social dances to your favorite music at DJ Jim Wayne’s booth by Center Memorial Park.

Music and commentary by Cruisin’ DJs are one of the highlights of the day.

Cruisin’ DJ Jim Wayne will anchor the north end of Main Street. His lively musical repertoire has been known to prompt attendees to tryout a few dance steps on the broad sidewalks area in front of his booth. Jim will also conduct interviews of Cruisin’ participants and personalities throughout the day.

The Eastern Chapter - Over the Hill Gang Car Club will bring lively music and event information to the area in front of St. James Church.

CRUISIN’ SPONSOR EXHIBITS

This year’s cruise will display over 24 sponsor exhibits, including 13 area car dealerships. Exhibits will showcase information and displays featuring classic cars of the future, automotive products, health, legal, financial and party planning services.

Cruisin’ is pleased to spotlight a number of contemporary vehicles that automotive sponsors are certain will become classics. Look for your “car of the future” on display at the following sponsor booths: Monaco Ford, Gengras Fiat, Harte Nissan, Key Hyundai of Manchester & Jill Merriam Dealer for the People®, Valenti Cadillac, Jaguar of Hartford, Volkswagon of Hartford, Mitsubishi of Hartford ,Manchester Honda, Hoffman Auto Group, New Country Motor Cars, Troiano Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge of Colchester. Carter of Manchester - Chevrolet/Mazda will host a gathering of classic Chevys at its Chevrolet Dealership site at the south end of Main Street.

CRUISIN' FOOD

Hungry Cruisin’ attendees will find a wide variety of food options at this year’s event. The Forest Street Parking Lot will be the site of the Cruisin’ Food Court. Its central location makes it convenient to spectators strolling from the north or south end of Main Street. Cruisin’ visitors can also enjoy a light bite at one of the outdoor vendors strategically placed along Main Street 

11 Cruisin’ vendors will offer street fare with items ranging from the always-popular Black Angus burgers prepared by the Manchester Elks Lodge to UNICO’s sausage & pepper grinders as well as pulled pork sandwiches, buffalo chicken sandwiches and lots of tasty hot dogs! Frosty treats and beverages run the gamut from Italian ice to frozen fruit drinks and shakes. The Manchester Historical Society will sell the “Royalwich” a renown, refreshing and delicious ice cream sandwich produced by Manchester’s own . Attendees can indulge in kettle corn, popcorn or refresh with a fresh fruit cup or chocolate dipped fruit from Edible Arrangements.

Cruisin’ provides a perfect opportunity to introduce event attendees to Downtown’s expanding “restaurant row.” 15 Downtown food and beverage establishments will remain open to serve the Cruisin’ crowd including our most recent additions to the Downtown restaurant scene – Rockhouse BBQ & Wings and Bui, Vietnamese Cuisine.

Breakfast before the event is a long-standing Main Street tradition for early arrivals. From Ricotta French Toast to good old ham and eggs, Main Street’s restaurants offer a relaxing pause before the festivities begin, a welcome respite during an afternoon of vintage vehicle viewing or a great way to dine and unwind after a full day of reminiscing and strolling Main Street. Attendees can also get a sneak peak at a soon-to-open Downtown restaurant: .

STOP BY AND SAY HI TO PATCH!

Manchester Patch will be on hand at the event as well. We will have a booth set up at our friend's at 1229 Main St. where we will be giving away loads of free Patch swag. 

So come by and say hello, tell us what you like about the site, what you'd like to see more of, or just stop off to chat about all the goings on in Manchester. 

We hope to see you there!!!

WHAT IF IT RAINS?

In the event of inclement weather, postponement information will be broadcast by 6 p.m. on the day before the event on Good Time Rock ‘n Roll 102.9 DRC-FM and posted on the Cruisin’ website: www.cruisinonmainstreet.org

For pre-event and post event info on Cruisin’ on Main Street 2012 find us on Facebook, visit us at www.cruisinonmainstreet.org or call the office of the Downtown Manchester Special Services District at 860-645-2101.