The 28th Annual Cruise-A-Palooza took over Main Street
Fast cars, sturdy trucks and antique speedsters.
People saw a wide variety of vehicles parked along Butler’s Main Street for the 28th Annual Cruise-A-Palooza, orchestrated by the Rodfathers of Butler, on Sunday.
Lenny Codispot, of Butler, rode his 1937 ULH Harley-Davidson through the crowd to his spot, and when he arrived, a crowd had followed for a closer look and with a few questions.
The motorcycle featured a large box attached to its right side.
“They used this to deliver packages,” Codispot said. “These are rare.”
Codispot said he acquired the motorcycle a few years ago. He said it was rideable when he bought it, unlike the others in his collection, which he likes to revive.
“I like the old ones. They’re fun to ride,” Codispot said. “Everything is mechanical and manual with them.”
The cruise involved a mixture of makes, models and eras of vehicles.
Mason Swidzinski, 12, of Butler, walked along with his family, seemingly stopping in awe at every vehicle.
Mason said he particularly liked a black 1986 Dodge Charger that resembled the one driven by “Fast and Furious” character Dominic Toretto. He said this one drew his eye because of the parachute on its back.
“That’s when you know you go fast,” he said.
Mason’s mother, Faren Slater, said the whole family are car enthusiasts, and the car cruise was a nice place to be.
“I’m glad he’s enjoying it,” Slater said.
The event is the largest of multiple car cruises conducted by the Rodfathers of Butler, according to John Malinski, president of the group.
Malinski estimated that more than 1,000 vehicles lined the streets of Butler.
“It’s been pretty busy,” Malinski said.
He said the cruise also serves as the organization’s biggest fundraiser for its charitable efforts.
At the end of the season, all proceeds from the Rodfathers’ car cruises are collected, divided and distributed to eight Butler County charities.
In the middle of the cruise, the Rodfathers had a tent, where the group sold T-shirts, 50-50 tickets and basket raffles, all of which benefit local charities.
“This is considered the fifth best car show on the East Cost,” Malinski said. “We’re thankful to the businesses who helped us put this on. We appreciate it.”
While Cruise-A-Palooza may be a giant fundraiser, Dan Sum of Butler Old Stone House Region Antique Automobile Club of America, looked for some direct donations of his own in support of preserving historic Butler-built vehicles.
Sum stood near a 1909 Huselton, owned by the city of Butler. The city left the vehicle to his organization, as well as a 1941 Bantam BRC Jeep, which did not make the trip Sunday.
Sum said he particularly likes driving the Huselton, which is a crowd favorite at the many shows it attends each year.
“The vehicle does run. We drove it here,” Sum said. “Once you get used to the right-hand drive, it’s quite nice to drive.”
Sum said the upkeep of these classic automobiles takes a lot of time, money and energy. He said the tires were replaced a few years ago at a cost of about $2,500 for all four. He said his organization relies on donations to keep its rich history alive, so people can see the ancestors of today’s models.
“It’s just really nice to know where you came from,” Sum said. “If you know where you came from, you have a pretty good idea where you’re going.”
