PORT ANGELES – The annual Ruddell Cruise In resumes on Friday after a 2020 COVID-19 hiatus.
This is the 25th edition of the July event that attracts people and their cars from across the North Olympic Peninsula and multiple states.
“We are very excited to be able to do it,” said dealer Howie Ruddell, owner of Ruddell Auto on 110 Golf Course Road.
“The response this year has been off the charts,” he added.
Reactions on social media and elsewhere have resulted in more than 2,500 people waiting for the show, which will run from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday.
Members of various auto clubs – including the Port Townsend Rakers and other peninsular auto clubs – are expected, but individuals are also welcome.
The Ruddell Cruise In is open to the public for free. Due to the limited number of spaces, project vehicles (the unfinished ones) and cars after 1986 are not allowed.
“This is an opportunity for all of our employees, the community and our customers to give back and say thanks,” said Ruddell. “That’s really what it’s about. It is an event of customer reviews in a class of its own. ”
Live music by the band The Works sets the tone for the evening program.
A celebrity dunk tank will raise funds for the Captain Joseph House Foundation. Burgers and hot dogs are offered by the Knights of Columbus for a small fee.
The Fog Town coffee trailer will be on site as well as the Port Angeles Whiskey Wagon, which serves a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Parking is on a first-come-first-served basis.
Four trophies will be awarded: Best of Show, People’s Choice, Heritage and Farthest Distance Traveled. The record for the latter was a competitor from Grand Forks, ND
Door awards totaling more than $ 4,000 will be awarded.
The event will be co-organized by the Old Timers Car Club from Bremerton. The Friday Night Cruise In is a free event that opens a weekend rally for the Old Timers Car Club.
“We’re not expecting just local cars, we’re expecting some from all over Washington,” said Old Timers President Jerry Scott.
“This is both a great and a big event, and weather permitting, we expect this year’s Cruise In to set another new attendance record.”
The Ruddell Cruise In was started in 1996 by the late H. “Mac” Ruddell with the help of Scott.
