Friday, May 27, 2005
Today's schedule includes events for both cars and motorcycles.
By KATIE LIBECCO
VINDICATOR STAFF REPORTER
BOARDMAN -- Hundreds of car enthusiasts turned out Thursday for a pre-Steel Valley Nationals car show and cruise that was hosted by the Kool Time Kruisers to raise money for charity.
"It was better than what we expected," said Bill Simcox, president of the Kruisers.
The Kruisers, a local car club, held the event at Greenwood Market Motors.
"We want to help and to be a part of the community. It's nice to keep the money in the community," said Teri Simon, advertising director for Greenwood Market Motors.
Greenwood Market Motors was also raising money for the Kidney Foundation by selling shirts made for the event. The shirts will also be sold at the Steel Valley Nationals.
There was no entry fee for the event, which brought out an estimated 170 participants. At least 30 additional cars that were not competing in the show were also allowed on the lot.
"We expected a lot of cars, but not like this," said Paul Henry, one of the founding members of Kool Time Kruisers.
At the time of the awards, the car show lot was completely full, additional parking was full and cars were parked on the side of the road.
The event was held in cooperation with the Boardman Police Department.
Kool Time Kruisers was founded in 1998 and members currently show about 30 cars. This was the club's eighth annual pre-Memorial Day car show.
All of the money the club raises goes to charity. Last year they raised $3,000.
"We believe in giving to charities. That's what it's for," said Henry.
All money raised will be donated to the Kidney Foundation of Northeast Ohio. The donation will be made in honor of Jim Ziggoti, a member of the Kool Time Kruisers who died in January of a kidney disease.
The car show included both "tuners," which are customized current model cars, and classic cars, mostly domestic. It was judged by show participants, and Greenwood Market Motors selected the best Chrysler entry.
The top 10 winners in the show were Ken Staaf, Skeet and Jeanette Bridgens, Dennis Ingram, David Dickson, Doug and Karen Hedgepath, David and Mary Davies, John Tripodi, David Resanich, Jack Corll and Rob Young.
The winner for best Chrysler went to Bob and Marilyn Young for their 1969 Dodge Super Bee Hemi.
About 100 cars left at 8 p.m. for the cruise and proceeded to Jolly Joe's restaurant on South Avenue. The cruise was led by a 2005 PT Cruiser and escorted by the Boardman Police.
"Use your head, not the throttle!" said DJ Big Rick, reminding the cruisers to be responsible.
The Kool Time Kruisers will hold their next car show June 12 from noon to 3 p.m. at Westgate Ford-Sterling in Youngstown.
Dave and Ed's Steel City Nationals will be held at the Canfield Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.