MANSFIELD – Local car enthusiasts and spectators from around the area were able to check out hot rods, vintage cars and historic vehicles at the 27th Heart of the City Cruise-In on Saturday.
Hundreds of vehicles lined Park Avenue West in Mansfield and surrounding streets for the annual gathering from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday under sunny skies.
The cruise-in began in August 1995 on the square in downtown Mansfield and included 300 to 400 cars, according to the event’s website.
“As you walk through the event, you’ll come across an impressive selection of meticulously restored vehicles,” the event’s website states. “From gleaming muscle cars to sleek convertibles, each car on display is a testament to its owner’s passion and dedication.”
Over the years, attendance has steadily increased and the range of entertainment available to visitors has expanded – including live music, often played by Mansfield musicians.
This year’s live performances were provided by Ohio Express and The Heartbroke Band.
On Saturday, several local food trucks were on site and the Buckeye Imagination Museum set up a children’s area. Richland Public Health presented its mobile health clinic and local DJs provided entertainment with music and live broadcasts from the gazebo in Central Park.
In an August 24 press release, Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry said, “Great cruise-ins start with great cars.”
“We got a lot of them (cars) … last year we had over 700 cars and about 7,000 visitors, which was a new record,” Perry said.
“We attract all years, all styles and all stages of restoration, trucks, hot rods, classics and more.
“Our Heart of the City Cruise-In continues to attract more cars and more people even after 26 years of operation.”
Gallery: 27. Heart of the City Cruise-In
(Below are photos taken Saturday in downtown Mansfield during the 27th Heart of the City Cruise-In.)
