Cruisin' On Main Street Is Back In Manchester For 2021

MANCHESTER, CT — Cruisin’ on Main Street is back f0r 2021 after being called off last year amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The popular event is slated to return to Downtown Manchester on Aug. 1 from 10 a.m; to 3 p.m.

The rain dates are Aug. 8 and 15.

Cruisin' is a one-day cruise and show for antique and classic cars, trucks, sports cars and street rods from 1987 and before. An almost 1-mile portion of Main Street inDowntown Manchester closes to create a plaza-like viewing area where spectators can stroll, view, and swap memories of automotive history.

"We are seeing strong attendance at cars shows throughout the region this spring and summer," Cruisin’ Committee Chairman Ed Firestone said. "There is pent-up demand. Both show car owners and spectators really missed the car show experience."

Show cars can begin to arrive at 8 a.m. A map showing registration entrances can be found at www.cruisinonmainstreet.org.

Show car registration is $10. The first 600 registrants receive a commemorative dash plaque. The show opens to the public at 10 a.m. with free spectator admission.

Cruisin’ 2021 is especially significant to organizers because the 20th anniversary of the show was deferred due to the pandemic.

"We are so happy to be able to celebrate this milestone," Firestone said.

Activities offered at Cruisin’ 2021 include:

• An appearance by Miss Connecticut 2021, Sapna Raghavan.
• A Hot Wheels Race Competition hosted by the Gear Head Mafia Car Club. Kids are given Hot Wheels Cars that they race on a specially designed track with medals awarded.
• Silver City Quarter Midget Club Display – Display of Quarter Midget Race Cars and info on the Silver City Quarter Midget Club. Quarter Midget racing is a form of automobile racing for children ages 5 to 16. The cars are approximately one-quarter the size of a full midget car.

• The East Catholic High School Robotics Team will demonstrate its robotics project.
• The bench used during Elisabeth Bennet's tenure as principal of Barnard School will be on display.
• A Staycation Art Exhibit from WORK-SPACE, the Town of Manchester Working and Meeting Center at 903 Main Street, will feature an art exhibit showcasing the joys and discoveries of being tourists in our own home and hometowns. The exhibit runs from Aug. 1 through Sept. 24. galleries@WorkSpacemanchester.com
• The North East Surf Music Alliance and other talented musicians, along with 102.9FM personality, Rob Ray, will offer music from the “golden era” of cruising.

The Cruisin’ Committee has made giving back to the community a priority. donating over $177,000 to local non-profits, civic and service groups. This year, Cruisin’ has created a Friends of Cruisin’ donation opportunity for those who wish to support the event. Monies raised through the campaign will go to MARC Inc. of Manchester after expenses are met. For more information go to www.cruisinonmainsgtreet.org or visit the Cruisin on Main Street Facebook page.

For more information see the the Cruisin’ website at www.cruisinonmainstreet.org and on the Cruisin’ on Main Street Facebook page.