Downtown Willoughby Cruise-In attracts classic car owners, enthusiasts

Classic cars are fun to look at, but they also can be a lot of work for the owners who get these vehicles in tip-top shape to bring to events such as the Downtown Willoughby Cruise-In on June 16.

Just ask Ken Mack of Chester Township. Mack is the original owner of a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle that he displayed on Erie Street as part of the 23rd annual show.

“It took a lot of years until I took the car apart and restored it,” he said. “It takes a lot of time — a lot of spare time.”

The Chevelle, which has traveled 125,000 miles, turns 48 years old on July 29, Mack said. These days, he only drives it to car shows.

“I’ve won quite a few first-place awards and second places in shows,” Mack said. “My work has paid off.”

Stories like Mack’s were being told throughout streets of downtown Willoughby from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. June 16, as more than 500 cars were on display for the cruise-in.

“We have a lot of regulars and get lots of new people as well,” said Edith Moyer, secretary of the Downtown Willoughby Cruise-In Committee, in an interview prior to the June 16 event.

Car owners who display their vehicles pay entry fees that help support the Cruise-In Committee’s fundraising efforts, Moyer said. Along with participant fees, the committee also seeks donations and show sponsorships to support causes such as The Glenn Sheffield and Kenneth F. Stafford Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, the Willoughby Food Bank and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.

Some of the classic cars spotted on Erie Street during the Cruise-In on June 16 ranged from a 1942 Ford Coupe and 1949 Chevrolet Deluxe Sedan to a 1979 Cadillac and a 2003 Nissan 350-Z.

Rudy and Laureen Kozan of Willoughby were displaying their 1968 Camaro SS, which they bought about two years ago.

“It’s always been my dream,” Rudy said about the car, which has logged about 80,000 miles.

Visitors who converged on downtown Willoughby for the Cruise-In, which also featured live music and food vendors, seemed impressed by the array of classic cars lining the streets.

“This is the first time I’ve been here, it’s a pretty nice show,” said Joe Yakupcak of Chester Township. “It’s amazing to see how many of these cars are still around.”

Moyer pointed to a few reasons why she believes that the Downtown Willoughby Cruise-In has become such a popular event.

“I think the atmosphere of downtown Willoughby plays a big role — it’s such a historic area,” she said. “The Cruise-In is kind of like a big get-together where people can enjoy talking and getting to know one another.”

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