Classic Car 'Cruise Nights' Have Lost Funding, Bloomfield Group Says

This article was updated with a statement from the Bloomfield Center Alliance on March 26

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — A Bloomfield nonprofit says its “Cruise Nights” featuring classic cars have lost funding and won't be offered this summer.

The Bloomfield Cruisers, a nonprofit group of collector car and motorcycle enthusiasts from the area, counts its Cruise Nights among its signature events. In the past, it has received support from the Bloomfield Center Alliance, (BCA), a nonprofit community development organization that manages the downtown business district.

It looks like that isn't the case this year, the Bloomfield Cruisers reported.

The group posted the following message on social media Monday:

“Dear Friends, we regret to share some sad news we have received about the 2025 June/July Wednesday Night Cruise Nights. The Bloomfield Center Alliance (BCA), the host organization, has informed us they will not be producing the long-standing cruise night this year. They are citing their analysis of expenses relative to return on investment which resulted in Cruise Nights being low on their priority funding list and thus not being offered.

“Of course, we are saddened to learn the news as the series has become a long-standing tradition, yielding many visitors to the downtown on what would otherwise be a slow night. Our role as a supporting organization has been to help promote the series, which we firmly believe has been a successful effort as evidenced by the regular attendance by classic car owners and spectators, like you. And to be very clear, the Bloomfield Cruisers were not a part of this decision. The Bloomfield Center Alliance has informed us that their decision was made by the BCA Board after numerous meetings related to their finances.

“But the good news is simply that we will move on with other events. We have added new events called Fun Runs which will take place on some Wednesdays in June and July (more details on those soon). Our Wednesday night Cruise Nights at Universal Technical Institute will take place in August (done collaboratively with Bloomfield Township's Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs, UTI, and Shelbourne Properties). We also have scheduled a good number of events listed below with more to be shared soon. Be sure to follow our social media channels and our website, www.bloomfieldcruisers.com, for the latest.

“The Bloomfield Cruisers wishes the BCA well in its new priority areas. Should you have any questions about the Bloomfield Cruisers events, please contact us. To learn more about the Bloomfield Center Alliance and their offerings, please visit them at https://www.bloomfieldcenter.com. To the many that have supported this series, we thank you.

“Now it’s time to shift gears and move forward. By no means will the Bloomfield Cruisers fade away. We are scheduled to compete at the Northeast Rally Club’s Pumpkin Run (DE), Rodtoberfest (NY), The Race of Gentlemen (NJ), and always prepping for cross-country adventures with the Great Race. These events and others help to support our charitable efforts. Here’s a glance at some events we have posted, with more to come:

• Poker Run Road Tour (open to all rides), Sunday, May 4
• Bloomfield and Glen Ridge Memorial Parades, Monday, May 26
• Fun Runs: June 11, July 9 & 23 (with more TBD)
• Bloomfield Cruisers’ Annual Pig Roast, Saturday, June 7
• Hot August Nights: Wednesdays, August 6, 13, 20 & 27
• Holiday Toy Drive & Party, December 5
• Santa’s Parade of Classic Cars, Saturday, December 6
• Cars & Coffee, Dates TBD
• A few surprises we will announce soon

“In the meantime, keep turning your wrenches as the good weather for driving our rides will be here soon enough.”

BLOOMFIELD CENTER ALLIANCE: 'VERY DIFFICULT DECISION'

Ollyn Lettman, the executive director of the BCA, told Patch that it was a "very difficult decision" to make.

“We look at our finances … we look at the end of year budget … and given our finances – and also looking at the output and participation of our various events and activities – we had to prioritize certain things,” Lettman said.

“When we look at the various activities and events that we had and what monies we had to work with, in terms of sponsorship dollars and other resources, it just became difficult – from the board's point of view – to continue what we realize is a very longstanding series,” he said, adding that the Cruise Nights have proved popular with some Bloomfield residents.

“But one of the things that we are committed to doing is – if we're going to stop that event because it's not drawing the same kind of crowd as it used to several years ago – is trying to create new activities and experiences within downtown, and that's what we're committed to doing,” Lettman said.

“Cruise Nights have been around a long time,” Lettman continued. “We've been very grateful for all the people over the years who have supported it, but we're also excited at the possibility of creating something new that will bring new people and create new fans of Bloomfield Center.”

Lettman said that the BCA hopes fans of the event series will return for other local efforts, such as Dinner Under The Stars, Bloomfield Restaurant Week and walking food tours.

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