PORT ANGELES — Friday’s Ruddell Cruise In will not only provide entertainment and a wide selection of vintage cars but also will be the kickoff of a weekend rally for the Old Timers Car Club.
The Cruise In will be at Ruddell Auto, 110 Golf Course Road, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. this evening. It is co-hosted by the Old Timers Car Club of Bremerton.
Those interested in registering for the car club’s weekend event — which has the theme of “Grease” — can do so tonight with The Old Timers for an additional fee, which includes a T-shirt.
The weekend features a Saturday Rod Run with a barn dance and meal in the evening at the Clallam County Fairgrounds.
The Ruddell Cruise In was started in 1996 by the late H. “Mac” Ruddell with the help of Jerry Scott, who is now the past president of the Old Timers Car Club.
“After success in the initial years, the car club and the dealership forged a long-term relationship and the event has grown significantly since its inception,” said Howie Ruddell, owner of Ruddell Auto.
The annual car rally “puts a ton of heads in beds, fills a lot of restaurants and is great for our local economy,” Ruddell said.
Scott said that the club expects cars from all over the state at the Cruise-In’s 25th edition tonight and the Saturday rally.
“With some good weather, we are expecting this year’s Cruise In to set another new attendance record,” Scott said in a press release.
Ruddell expects more than 2,500 people to come out for the Cruise-In, which will feature live music and a celebrity dunk tank that will benefit the Captain Joseph House Foundation. Burgers, hot dogs, coffee and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available.
In years past, the Cruise In has brought in more than 100 cars. Area clubs are expected as well as individuals.
Four trophies will be awarded: Best of Show, People’s Choice, Heritage, and Farthest Distance Travelled.
Door prizes totaling over $4,000 will be handed out.
