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Sixth Annual Car Cruise Planned for Downtown Hazleton

Pictured on photo: Jack Mundie with his Chevy Impala convertible; Robert Tunnessen Jr., Tunnessen’s Auto Parts, Sponsor; Richard Houseknecht, ‘28 Model A Ford Five Window Coup Street Rod; Steve Goldian, Tunnessen’s; Jimmy Peca, ‘55 Chevy Bel Air; Jimmy Grohol, Cruise Chairman; and Leroy Houser, ‘55 Chevy Pick Up.

In an effort to bring awareness to what the Downtown Area has to offer, the Sixth Annual “Rolling” Car Cruise will take place on Friday, August 3rd (rain date is August 10).

The Cruise, coordinated by the Downtown Committee of the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce and the City of Hazleton, sponsored by Tunnessen’s Inc., will have an improved cruise route. Chamber officials stated that this year’s cruise would include a longer route to accommodate the nearly 300 vehicles that entered last year. Cars will, once again, enter on Church and Chestnut Streets, go to Laurel Street to Broad Street. The cars would then proceed to Cedar Street where they will begin lining up. The Cruise will begin at 6 p.m. and will go North on Cedar Street, to Diamond Avenue, left onto Diamond Avenue to Carson Street, right onto Carson Street to 9th Street, left on 9th Street to Wyoming Street, South on Wyoming Street to Juniper Street, right onto Juniper Street to Laurel Street, left onto Laurel Street to Diamond Avenue, right on Diamond Avenue to Wyoming Street, South on Wyoming Street to Broad Street where the cars will then park for public viewing directly on Broad Street. Dash Plaques will be presented to the first 200 cars to register compliments of Anthracite Region AACA.

Bill Spear, chairman of the Downtown Committee states, “We are extremely grateful, once again, to Tunnessen’s Inc. for agreeing to cosponsor this event. Their sponsorship will allow us to make the Cruise bigger and better than even last year’s Cruise. Our committee conducts several events throughout the year, but we are always looking at ways in which to add to each event, and Tunnessen’s sponsorship monies will certainly allow us to expand the Car Cruise activities.”

In addition, downtown merchants and businesses are being asked for items to be placed in “goodie” bags for the participants. These items can be pens, keychains, cents off coupons, etc. to promote their business. Items should be provided to the Chamber office no later than Friday, July13th.

Jimmy Grohol, Cruise chairman, stated that for the first time this year, The Legends will provide live entertainment. The band, co-sponsored by Jimmy’s Quick Lunch and the Chamber, will provide entertainment from 6 to 9 p.m. In addition, WAZL, with Tony Pacelli, will provide a live remote and D.J. Jimmy Dino will also be spinning oldies music throughout the evening.

Plus, attendees, both cruise participants and the public, will be able to register to win prizes from participating merchants.

In addition, this year will once again see participation from the Hazleton Auto Trade Association. Members of the Association, Barber Ford, Berger Family Dealerships, Fairway Motors, Feissner Ford, Harry’s U Pull It, Independence Toyota, and Tunnessen’s Inc., will display cars on the sidewalks of downtown Hazleton beginning at Noon. According to Jim Grohol, Cruise Chairman, we have also invited local car clubs to set up a display to promote their organization as well. Merchants are also encouraged to take advantage of the busy day by conducting “sidewalk sales” throughout the day and evening. We feel that this also will add to the day’s festivities.”

In addition, a special advertising campaign is being coordinated by the downtown merchants and businesses and the Standard Speaker. If you would like to become part of this special advertising, call the Standard Speaker at 455-3636 as soon as possible.

The Hazleton Parking Authority wishes to remind the public that there is FREE parking daily after 5 p.m. and FREE parking in the Parking Garage after 6 p.m. Officials stress, however, that Broad Street will be closed to through traffic from 5:30 to 9 p.m. to accommodate the Car Cruise. Alternate traffic routes are suggested for the general public.

The public is encouraged to attend. Bring your chairs to enjoy the Cruise and take advantage of the many businesses that will remain open until 9 p.m.

For additional information on the Downtown Hazleton Car Cruise, call the Chamber office at 455-1509 or email info@hazletonchamber.org.

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