An estimated 250 cars cruised down Main Street for Kutztown Strong‘s annual Kutztown Kruizz on Saturday, July 27.
“The Kutztown Kruizz is a great annual event that we’ve been having here in Kutztown for at least 15 years. Everybody likes it,” Kutztown Mayor Jim Schlegel said as cars cruised down Main Street. “It’s always a good, fun event, and we have the most beautiful day to have it this year.”
The first Kutztown Kruizz kicked off the Bicentennial Celebration in honor of the borough’s 200th anniversary in 2015, sponsored by the Bicentennial Committee and Kutztown Community Partnership in support of Kutztown Strong.
Every July since then, Kutztown Strong’s car show annually attracts hundreds of spectators. This year, a crowd filled Main Street to view the display of antique, classic, vintage, muscle and unique cars and trucks.
“The community is united for a fun time. After COVID, we needed this back so much,” said Merry Schlegel, the mayor’s wife, Kutztown Kruizz co-chair and Kutztown Strong past president. “It was slow last year but it’s coming back again this year and it’s back strong.”
Car enthusiasts strolled Main Street to admire the pristine vehicles and get an up-close view of well-maintained engines that purred like tigers.
“It’s a beautiful day. All the noise, that’s what I love. When they come cruising down Main Street people can show off their cars. That’s their baby,” Merry said. “Plus, it’s for Kutztown Strong … it goes to a great cause.”
Throughout the day, car owners sat along the sidewalks sharing memories while their vehicles sparkled in the sunshine nearby.
“For older people, like my husband, they’ll say, ‘Oh, I had that car’ or ‘I remember my friend had it,’ so it brings back memories,” Merry Schlegel said. “It’s a time to reminisce.”
Mayor Schlegel confirmed that his favorite part of the event is seeing all of the different automobiles. He also enjoys picking the Mayor’s Choice. This year he presented the award to Dale Weber for his 1968 Camaro.
Other awards included the Scouts’ Choice presented to Roy Sousley for his 1960 Jeep FC170, Sponsors’ Choice to Glenn Schaeffer for his 1967 Ford Mustang, People’s Choice to Mike Sabochceck for his 1931 Ford Town Sedan and Kutztown Strong’s Choice to Brad Schoener for his 1932 Ford Street Rod. Honorable mention went to the Kutztown police vehicle celebrating 100 years of community service.
“It brings people from all over the land to come to Kutztown. If you look down the street, there’s hundreds of people along with over 200 cars and they spend a lot of money in the stores,” Mayor Schlegel said. “It’s good for Kutztown.”
Families wondered among the vehicles on display and had the opportunity to participate in activities such as key chain decorating to make their own souvenir at Local Folk Creative Studio.
“For families, it is an excellent outdoor activity,” Merry said.
At the Kutztown Strong table, children could spin a wheel and win prizes by answering a question, such as, “What can you do to get rid of stress, something that helps you be healthy?”
“This is it. Come out and look at these amazing cars. You get a chance to interact with people and to ask them about their vehicle,” Merry said.
The community event included food specials offered by local eateries, shopping at local stores, children’s games offered by Kutztown PTO, nonprofits that set up food stands or displays and a police vehicle on display in celebration of the Kutztown department’s 100th anniversary as well as a Kutztown Fire Company ladder truck displaying a large American flag over Main Street.
The Dave Mell Blues Band performed blues, classic rock and R & B standards on the Main Street Stage while DJ Jeff George of Jumpin’ J Entertainment had everyone rocking out or singing along in the 100 block of Main Street.
Children created boats made of cut pool noodles and popsicle sticks, using construction paper for sails. Then they raced their creations on an inflatable water track set up by Kutztown Cub Pack 101 and Scout Troop 101.
Throughout the day, girls from Kutztown Scout Troop 101G offered free bottles of cold water to attendees.
Scouts also helped with event setup, collected trash and helped give out awards.
The Kruizz continued that evening with the Fabulous Grease Band performing a free concert in Kutztown Park as part of the 2024 Concert Series in the Park.
Kutztown Strong Fundraiser
The major fundraiser for Kutztown Strong, all proceeds from Kutztown Kruizz help the grassroots coalition to continue programs and activities that support the behavioral health and well-being of local children, youth and families.
“The Kruizz supports any after-school activities we host,” Kutztown Strong President Susan Collier said. “We help out with Oasis (an after-school program held three days a week for middle and high school students). We at times are asked to provide clothing and other financial support to families in need. We support the elementary school, the middle school, the high school.”
Kutztown Strong also provides educational programs.
“I am very appreciative of the support of the community getting behind us and we realize that together we’re stronger,” Collier said.
Kutztown Strong would like to thank the sponsors of Kutztown Kruizz.
Champion sponsors include Halye’s Automotive, Kutztown Napa Auto Parts, Bare Metal Built LLC, East Penn Manufacturing, Haldeman Ford of Kutztown, Advanced Auto Parts, Fink Inc. Signs and Graphics, Kutztown Printing, Moyer Total Indoor Comfort Inc., Noble Street Notary, Fishers Allstate, Process Masters Corp, Stoney Creek Rentals and Rita’s of Kutztown and Hamburg.
“Thanks also go to Kutztown Strong, the Kruizz committee and many volunteers who have put in countless hours to make this event happen,” Merry Schlegel said. “We’re also thankful to the Borough of Kutztown, the Borough of Kutztown Police Department and the Kutztown Area School District for their support of the Kruizz.”
For more information, follow Kutztown Strong on Facebook and visit KutztownStrong.org.
Source: Berkshire mont
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