Out & About: Strollers come out for Ligonier classic car cruise

Shirley McMarlin
Monday, Aug. 12, 2019 12:01 a.m. | Monday, Aug. 12, 2019 12:01 a.m.

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Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

Izabella Wentzell of Ligonier poses for a photo near a 1957 Corvette, during The Stroll held in Ligonier on Friday evening, August 9, 2019.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

From left: Janet Landry and Izabella Wentzell join Dave O’Hara, all of Ligonier, for a photo near his 1974 Corvette, during The Stroll held in Ligonier on Friday evening, August 9, 2019.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

From left: Margaret Sanders, Donald and Barbara Miller, and Louisa Sanders, all of Seward, gather for a photo near a 1955 Chevy 210 Coupe, owned by the Millers, during The Stroll held in Ligonier on Friday evening, August 9, 2019.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

Mollie Fichet, 16, of Ligonier strikes a pose during The Stroll held in Ligonier on Friday evening, August 9, 2019.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

Lyla Barr, 13, (left) and Ella Pierce, 13, both of Ligonier, sell pies, cake and chocolate-covered apples to benefit the Ligonier Valley Education Trust during The Stroll held in Ligonier on Friday evening, August 9, 2019.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

From left: Michael Vernon of Ligonier shows his Vanderhall to Mayor of Ligonier Butch Bellas during The Stroll held in Ligonier on Friday evening, August 9, 2019.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

From left: Gary Steffey of Ligonier and Jim Clark of Laughlintown check under the hood of a 1969 Chevelle, owned by Joseph Pytlak of Tarrs, during The Stroll held in Ligonier on Friday evening, August 9, 2019.

A traffic jam isn’t a common occurrence in Ligonier, but there was a good reason for the congestion Aug. 9.

It was the night of The Stroll, the annual antique and classic car cruise, dance contest and all-around good time.

Warm temperatures and clear skies brought out dozens of cherished vehicles and their owners, parked around the Diamond and up and down nearby streets, along with hundreds of spectators and a good number of dancers.

Swing City provided the nostalgic soundtrack as visitors ambled among the pastel-colored 1950s Fords, Corvettes from all eras, a sleek silver Dodge Viper, American muscle cars, stately sedans, European imports, a burly Mack truck and more.

Most were in pristine condition, although here and there were examples of the “rat rod,” an old car with minimal restoration and usually an ominous flat black or grey paint job.

One of the more unusual displays was a 1946 Nash Ambassador, the perfect car for a road trip, with a hatchback and rear seat that folds down to form a double bed. No need to call ahead for a motel reservation with that one.

Scott Haines and Ruthie Stewart represented the Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce, event sponsor. Local merchants and restaurants stayed open late to cater to the crowds.

Seen strollin’: John and Malinda Sherid, Gay Wasserman, Jim and Karen O’Connor, Bill and Pam Stablein, Joan McGarry and Gary Rahl, Jean Brozack, Chris and Lynn Dee Bumar, Ann Woodall, Evelyn Lemmon, Nancy Pratt, Shelley Ryan, Tom Pratt, Dan and Bev McMaster, Albert Fiorina, Christian Fiorina, Pat Parsons, Susan O’Donnell, Tom and Pam Rhodes, Betsy Rhodes Williams, Tyler Poff, Paul Jones, Jeff and Kathy Null, Rick and Fran Smith and James Everett.