Cruise Night On Main In Middletown ‘Virtually’ Rescheduled

MIDDLETOWN, CT — The popular Cruise Night on Main Street in Middletown will have a new look this year due to social distancing rules because of the new coronavirus pandemic. The 23rd Annual Cruise Night on Main Street has been rescheduled to be a “virtual” event on Flag Day – Sunday, June 14, Chairman Don DeVivo and Event Chairman Joe Santaniello of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, announced Monday.

For the last 22 years, the Middletown Cruise Night on Main Street has been a tradition for car enthusiasts and spectators alike. This year, for the first time ever, Cruise Night on Main Street will be virtual.

“Start Your Engines to Sunday Funday – Middletown is Virtually Cruisin’ in 2020” will be filled with “American spirit, amazing cars and lots of fun while following the social distancing guidelines designated by the State of Connecticut,” according to a news release.

The virtual event will showcase classic and antique vehicles that will travel a 3.8-mile route throughout downtown Middletown. The route has been designed to pass the police station, fire personnel and Middlesex Hospital and will ask participants to “honk as they drive by to give a big thanks to our first responders, frontline and healthcare workers,” the release states. The virtual festivities will begin at 1 p.m., kicking off immediately from the NAPA parking lot.

“After 22 years, Middletown Cruise Night on Main Street has become a signature event for our city, and I could not be more excited for this year’s first Virtual Car Show celebration while practicing social distancing,” Santaniello said. “This virtual event is another great example of how we have the most innovated Chamber around. I am grateful to everyone who has made this day such a tremendous success, year after year to help support our Middletown Youth Programs. The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce and the Car Cruise Committee look forward to celebrating this virtual event on National Flag Day and to show their appreciation to our first responders and healthcare workers.”

This year’s sponsors include: Title Sponsor: NAPA; Hot Rod Sponsors: Downtown Business District and iHeartMedia; Car Show Sponsors: Eli Cannon’s Tap Room and Liberty Bank; Cruiser Sponsors: Middlesex Health, The Flood Law Firm and Department of Children and Families. Additional event supporters include: The Garage Guys Car Club, The Eastern Chapter Over the Hill Gang Car Club, and the Connecticut Military Car Club.

Organizers thanked the City of Middletown for “their outstanding commitment and partnership to help kickstart this virtual event.”

The event will benefit the Middletown Youth Programs, including the Hal Kaplan Middletown Mentor Program, Middletown Recreation Programs and the Middletown Summer Youth Employment Program. There is a suggested donation of $10 for participants. Visit www.cruisenightonmain.com for more information.

For registration, directions and further information, go to www.cruisenightonmain.com. In the case of inclement weather and the event has to be postponed, the rain date has been set for Sunday, June 21.