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The third annual Classics & Cruisers on Hamilton event in Allentown scheduled for Saturday, September 19 is being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nearly 100,000 Pennsylvanians have tested positive for the virus which has claimed nearly 7,000 lives in the state.
Under the “green” phase of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s reopening plan, event crowds are limited to 250-persons.
Hundreds of visitors walked from 6th Street to 9th Street to view classic and muscle cars of many makes, models, and time periods in the last two years. They also enjoyed musical entertainment and plenty of food and drink.
“The mission of “Classics & Cruisers on Hamilton” is to return to the nostalgia of cruising in Allentown,” said Allentown Police Captain and event organizer Jim Gress.
“In the late 1970’s, it was common for car enthusiasts to cruise the Hamilton Street “circuit,” park at one of the nearby eating establishments and enjoy camaraderie with other car enthusiasts,” Gress added. “This is where I spent many evenings and weekends as a teen. With the rebirth of center city, with America on Wheels and RB Collection as partners, and with the dedication and commitment of myself and others, a vision of cars once again lining Hamilton Street was born. “Classics & Cruisers on Hamilton” was a great success in 2018 and 2019. The event included trophies, music and a police-escorted cruise to the Ritz. A great time was had by all. I promise for 2021, “Classics & Cruisers on Hamilton” will be by far the undisputed best car show and cruise in the area, involving many new activities and pre-show attractions at the “Automobile Corner of America.” Plans are already underway, and we hope to have a new date and details announced within the next few months.”
“Classics & Cruisers is falling victim to the virus this year along with so many of our traditions,” said Mayor Ray O’Connell. “Public health has to be a top priority. I look forward to the day when we can safely open all city facilities and we can welcome back visitors to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Blues, Brews & Barbecue, the Puerto Rican Festival Parade, the Roasting Ears of Corn Festival and the Allentown Fair whose organizers cancelled or have announced the cancellation of their 2020 events.”
Classics & Cruisers on Hamilton has been presented by the City of Allentown Police Department, Department of Community & Economic Development, America On Wheels Museum, Friends of the Allentown Parks and Downtown Allentown Business Alliance.
Information provided to TVL by:
Mike Moore
Communications Manager
Mayor’s Office
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
Mike.Moore@allentownpa.gov
http://www.AllentownPA.gov
