In cruise control at the fairgrounds

This evening's events include a motorcycle cruise.
By KATIE LIBECCO
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
CANFIELD -- The threat of rain didn't keep 300 participants from the first day of the Dave and Ed's Steel Valley Nationals Car and Motorcycle Show at the Canfield Fairgrounds.
"We have a good rapport with the car people in this area. They are very supportive of everything that we do. It was only natural to do a show with and for them," Dave Ehret said.
The show attracted about 200 cars and 100 motorcycles, said Christen Tritt of Dave and Ed's Auto Events.
The rain held off until 3:45 p.m. Many cars left about an hour earlier when dark clouds appeared in the sky.
For the family-oriented
The show included cars, trucks and motorcycles from every era. There was also a model car and train exhibit.
"Our shows are very family-oriented, and this community is very community-oriented," said Ehret said.
"I enjoy bringing my car out for the people. If you don't, it's not fun," said Harry Carlson, who brought his 1973 Ford Mustang from Pittsburgh.
Top End Performance of Pittsburgh brought an 80-current Dynamometer that provided real-world horsepower and statistics for cars in the Dyno Wars event.
There are also seven motorcycle clubs at the Steel Valley Nationals this year, including the Christian Motorcycle Association, Youngstown and Warren H.O.G., Gold Wing Riders Association and Women on Wheels.
"This is something new. You don't usually have cars and bikes together in a show," said show volunteer and participant Bill English.
"It's great that the cars invited the motorcycles. Cars and bikes just go hand-in-hand," said Diane Theis of Women on Wheels.
Twenty-eight trophies will be award to motorcyclists during the competition. They will be judged by representatives from each of the seven motorcycle clubs.
Motorcycle cruise
This evening there will be a motorcycle cruise to Chili's on U.S. 224. Law enforcement officers will escort the cruise, and patriotic music will be played for the 45-minute ride.
The Steel Valley Nationals will feature a burn-out contest at noon today in front of the grandstands, and vintage race cars will be on the racetrack for a parade at 1 p.m. There will also be a "Make it and Take it" model car show for children from 12 noon to 3 p.m. The UAW Local 1714 donated 500 cars for the show.
The top 25 cars will be awarded trophies Sunday at 3 p.m. in the grandstands. Cars will be judged by committees formed from Cleveland car enthusiast groups.
Ehret expects about 2,500 cars and 500 motorcycles to register for the event throughout the weekend.
Cars can still be registered for the show at McMahon Hall on Route 46.
The Steel Valley Nationals will be open to spectators from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Admission is $5, but children under 11 are admitted free.