Saturday’s annual Hot Summer Nights Cruise-In brought in the crowds, as usual. Darin Robinaugh, president of Top of Ohio Cruisers, which sponsors the event, was pleased with the turnout despite the threat of rain, and glad the bad weather missed the area entirely. (EXAMINER PHOTO | SHARYN KOPF)
Downtown Bellefontaine welcomed 314 cars, trucks, motorcycles and specialty vehicles to the Hot Summer Nights Cruise-In Saturday, Aug. 12. Top of Ohio Cruisers sponsors the annual event, which celebrated its 23rd year.
Though the forecast indicated rain and even, at one point, a tornado watch, potential inclement weather skirted the area. The public responded, lining Main Street for the parade, then stayed around to enjoy the car show and food trucks before closing the night with awards at 9 p.m.
The evening also included a 50/50 and $1,000 raffle, with all proceeds going to local charities.
Several participants drove vehicles in honor of loved ones, including Joanne LeVan. A Bellefontaine resident, LeVan has been enjoying car shows all her life, thanks in large part to her dad. For the most part, those shows were in Wayne County, where she grew up.
But in August 2022, they entered their first Bellefontaine Hot Summer Nights Cruise-In. Two months later, LeVan’s father passed away.
“I feel like I can continue to go to car shows in memory of my dad,” she said. “And he trained me well because I married an amazing man who also loves cars.”
At Saturday’s Cruise-In, LeVan and her husband, Dwayne, drove their recently purchased 1969 Opel GT along with a 2008 Chevy Corvette Z06. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to bring the 1972 Chevy truck she usually drives since it’s currently under maintenance.
One of the most popular events in Logan County, the Hot Summer Nights Cruise-In is usually held the second Saturday in August.
Corporate sponsors for the 2023 Cruise-In were: Citizen’s Federal Savings & Loan; Jacob’s Auto Repair & Transmission; Auto Zone; Allen Tire, LLC; Wammes Storage & Rentals, Ltd.; Mary Rutan Hospital; O’Reilly Auto Parts; David Dailey’s State Farm Ins.; LeVan’s Body Shop; Robinaugh EMS, LLC; Old School Restoration, LLC; City Sweets & Creamery; Belle Printing; Easton Water Solutions; KFC of Bellefontaine; Small Nation; Don’s Downtown Diner; Wreck-A-Mended 2; Rustic Boutique; and T & L Graphics.
