PARKERSBURG - More than 90 vehicles of all makes, models and ages lined three blocks of Market Street on Saturday for the second annual "Mayor Bob's Market Street Cruise-In."
The Pioneer Antique Auto Club hosted the first of this year's cruise-ins along Market Street this summer and fall to raise the awareness of the clubs, the vehicles and what downtown Parkersburg has to offer.
Several hundred people walked up and down the 500, 600 and 700 blocks of Market Street to view the cars on display that included new and older classics.
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Photo by Jolene Craig
Bob Becker of the Pioneer Corvette Association wipes down his 2000 Chevrolet Corvette Saturday during the second annual “Mayor Bob’s Market Street Cruise-In.”
Pioneer club president Don Harper said he was pleased with the turnout for the club's first downtown show of the summer, the continuation of a program that began last summer.
"The friendly and casual atmosphere makes it a good time for everyone," he said.
In the club's 51 years in existence, members have worked to make people more aware that there are others like them around the valley that like and appreciate old cars.
One old car on exhibit was a 1946 GMC pickup truck owned by Bryce Goodwin of Vienna.
"It's kind of rare for a GMC truck of that era," Goodwin said.
He purchased the truck last year off of eBay and has had to do little work on it.
"I've given it a little TLC, but I haven't had to do much," Goodwin added. "I was looking for a Chevrolet made in 1946 and found the GMC; since I'd never seen one before, I decided to get it."
Harper said the technical definition of an antique car is anything 25 years old or older, but Friday's cruise-in and the other events this summer will be open to anyone who wants to bring their car to exhibit. There is a $10 fee for the car owners to register and the proceeds will benefit local organizations.
Saturday's event was raising money for to benefit Old Man Rivers Mission.
Organizers believe events like Saturday's cruise-in and others planned through the summer are positive, bringing people to downtown Parkersburg.
"It's a way to enjoy the evening and get people downtown," Harper said.
The club will also be holding cruise-ins on Market Street during the Parkersburg Homecoming Festival on Aug. 18 and again Sept. 15 and Oct. 20.
