This story originally appeared in The Centre County Gazette.
BELLEFONTE — Fire up your engines because the Historic Bellefonte Cruise is back, and it’s ready to roll into town for its 36th edition this Father’s Day weekend.
Slated for Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14, the Cruise returns to downtown Bellefonte with a full-throttle celebration of classic cars, vintage motorcycles, rockin’ live music and all the small-town charm you’d expect from one of Centre County’s most beloved summer traditions.
“Every year I get comments from businesses in town. ‘This is the greatest thing. You guys do so great!’ They get a lot of business that comes back. I get countless people say they’re coming back just to see the town,” Pat McCool, chairman of the Bellefonte Cruise, said.
The community spirit is what makes the Cruise more than just a car show. It’s become a reunion of sorts where families gather, old friends reconnect and gearheads from near and far come to show off their labors of love, often years in the making.
“It’s the atmosphere,” McCool said. “It brings a lot of people. Bellefonte has a lot of history.”
And they come to see it all. Hot rods and rat rods, pristine Corvettes and antique trucks, European rarities and chrome covered motorcycles; if it has wheels, it’s here. From the carefully restored to the perfectly rusted, every vehicle has a story and every owner is proud to share it.
The weekend revs up Friday, June 13, at 6 p.m. with the open cruise, where engines rumble and collectors circle through downtown in a lively loop of chrome and horsepower. Afterward, it’s time to dust off those dancing shoes for the classic sock hop, which is a throwback to the Cruise’s rockabilly roots.
But the real spectacle kicks into gear on Saturday with the full-day car show, featuring more than 30 judged vehicle classes. There’s something for everyone, from antique autos and street rods to motorcycles and also a dedicated kids’ class.
“We’re working more and more toward making it more rewarding for the show participants. That and making it more of a family event,” McCool said.
Fan favorite rat rods, with their rugged, no-frills flair, are expected to draw a crowd once again, offering a gritty counterpoint to the gleaming showpieces parked nearby.
The Cruise also showcases live music during the event to keep the good times rolling from start to finish. Expect to listen to hits from Elvis, The Monkees and other solid gold classics.
As much as the Cruise celebrates the past, it also looks to the future. Each year organizers award scholarships to Bellefonte Area High School students, helping support the next generation. The event also pays tribute to those who helped start it all, as well as the local legends who’ve left a lasting mark on the community.
“The friendships we’ve made. The friendships and the camaraderie we’ve developed. To see how the community comes together for it and the praises that are out there for the committee. It’s overwhelming,” McCool stated.
Whether you’re a longtime attendee or a curious newcomer, the Bellefonte Cruise is ready to welcome you back. Come for the cars, stay for the people, and celebrate a Centre County classic that shows no signs of slowing down.
For the full schedule, visit bellefontecruise.org.
