The Sturgis Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is hosting an event this Friday to kickoff the summer season of monthly car cruise-ins. The Spring Car Cruise-In and Eats will feature classic car cruise-ins, along with the 2023 Art Around Town unveiling, acoustic musicians, food trucks, and drink specials.
“This is our annual event that we’ll do to kick off the car cruise-ins, and we’ll do one a month from May to September,” DDA’s Ryan Conrod told Watershed Voice. Parking spaces along US-12 in downtown Sturgis will be closed, and reserved solely for those participating in the cruise-in. In the event of overflow, Conrod said both the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce and Depot Museum will provide those spaces.
The Art Around Town 2023 art submissions have been adjudicated and are now installed throughout Sturgis’s downtown area until March 2024. Those attending the event Friday evening may pick up Art Around Town maps at either the Chamber of Commerce or Open Door Gallery. There are 17 pieces in this year’s collection scattered throughout the downtown location, and Conrod says it’s a perfect opportunity to “see the art, see the cars, and grab some food.”
Several food trucks will be located on North Street including Dougie’s Doggone Delicious, Mark it with a B Cupcakes, Brewhouse BBQ, Ibison Concessions, Mamazzoni’s Italian Beef, and Papa Joe’s Grub-N-Go. Wings Etc. will serving several car-themed drink specials throughout the evening. The Pink Cadillac, Frozen Lemon Breeze, and Side Car will all be available, as well as $3 Summer Shandy or $3 Oberon.
Acoustic musicians will be stationed throughout the event to provide live entertainment for those attending the festival, shopping, or eating downtown. Musicians on Friday evening will include Marjorie Beryl Shelito, Sweet Johnny Knox, and Bill Johnson.
Conrod said there is no pre-registration to participate in the classic car show required, and those wishing to join may simply pull up and park at any of the designated spaces. “People love seeing different types of cars and love talking to the owners about them.”
The Spring Car Cruise-In and Eats will take place tonight, Friday, May 12, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Beca Welty is a staff writer and columnist for Watershed Voice.
