Garrettsville – As early autumn sets in, the Garrettsville Chamber is poised to host the final Car Cruise of the 2022 season. The event, dubbed the Roger Angel Memorial Cruise Night & Bike Show, takes place on Saturday, September 10th from 3 to 6 pm (rain date Sept 17th). Angel is credited with introducing Chamber Cruise Nights to the community, a nod to his passion for classic American sports cars. To honor a man who was such an integral part of the Garrettsville community, the event takes place in the plaza near the Dairy Queen that Angel and his wife Connie formerly owned.
Plaza businesses will also participate in this end-of-season event, as well. Gee-Ville NAPA Auto Parts will be providing barbeque meals and t-shirts for sale, with proceeds benefitting the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF), which serves United States military personnel suffering the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress (PTS). Dan Peterson, co-owner of NAPA/ Gee-Ville Auto Parts shared, “This is such a worthwhile charity since we wouldn’t be here without our servicemen and women.” He continued, “We need to make sure they and their families are taken care of.”
Just like last year, Peterson, his brother Terry, and friends will fire up their smokers to serve up dinners that include pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, and Hermann’s Pickles. Since 2000, IFHF has provided over $200 million in support for severely wounded military personnel and families of military personnel lost in service to our nation. 2022 marks the 11th year that NAPA Auto Parts across the country have partnered with the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund to support our nation’s service members.
“We’re pleased to be a part of the event to help remember Roger Angel and support such a worthwhile charity,” Paul McEwuen, Charles Automotive General Manager noted. The dealership celebrates its 65th anniversary this year. In addition to giveaways and raffles, the long-time area business will host a burnout pit that day. Members of the 330 Motorcycle Enthusiasts will have their bikes on display at Charles Auto as well. “We’re celebrating our 65th year in Garrettsville with the community that’s helped make it possible,” McEwuen concluded.
Ohio Crossroads bluegrass band will be performing that afternoon, as well as dance students from the 8th Count Dance Studio (also located in the plaza). The Garrettsville Cinema will be showing the “American Graffiti 2” film that evening, as well. Other plaza businesses are slated to participate as well; Hot Wheels vendors will be on hand at this final Car Cruise, too. At 5 pm, the Chamber will invite participants to, “Rev it up for Roger,” revving their engines in unison in memory of Roger Angel.
Peterson noted, “We had a huge turnout last year, with over 300 cars, so come early.” He noted that cars began arriving as early as 10 am last year, with the lot filled to capacity by 2 pm. And he anticipates this year’s event will be bigger than last year. The event takes place at the Garfield Plaza on SR 82 in Garrettsville.
