NEWBURYPORT – For the last 12 years, car enthusiasts have gathered on downtown streets for three hours to marvel at more than 250 classic cars from the 1950s, ‘60s and 70s.
The 12th annual Cruisin’ The 50’s car show, sponsored by the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce and curated by curator Wes Pettengill, took place in downtown, showcasing a diverse array of vehicles, including antique cars, muscle cars, hot rods, sports cars, and vintage models, as well as special interest automobiles.
The annual event gave thousands a chance last Thursday to check out the classic cars up close, all carefully arranged around downtown. The city shut down State, Pleasant and Inn streets to traffic, creating a comfortable environment pedestrians to walk around and enjoy the sights. The cars were lined up along the streets for everyone to see.
Pettengill, who has been organizing car shows for 35 years, said this invite-only event featured only the finest cars. The cars were squeezed in between outdoor dining patios and spilled over into side streets and the municipal parking lot. Most of the classic cars were parked on State and Pleasant streets. Inn Street was dedicated to imports, while the municipal parking lot on Harris Street was reserved for high-end vehicles.
The downtown restaurants were full, and ice cream stores overflowed, which accomplished one of the chamber’s goals to bring thousands of families to Newburyport.
In addition to the chamber of commerce, sponsors include the main sponsor, Arthur S. Page Insurance M.K. Benatti Jewelers and The Newburyport Bank.
The SpaceHeaters entertained the crowd with classic hits from the 1960s and 1970s in Market Square. There was also a beer garden and raffles.
