Classic car enthusiasts cruise into Belpre for auto show

Walker Huck, left, and Ryder Jarvis check out a ‘67 Chevy Camaro owned by Joseph Mirisciotta Saturday at the Belpre Masonic Lodge #609 for the 10th annual Cruise-In event, sponsored by Lambert Tatman Funeral Home. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

BELPRE — The annual Belpre Cruise-In event, sponsored by Lambert Tatman Funeral Home, celebrated its 10th year of bringing classic cars and the Mid-Ohio Valley community together while supporting local education.

“This is our 10th Annual Cruise-In, and what it does is furnish a scholarship to a Belpre High School senior,” event organizer Scott Church said.

He said the event originated from a simple request by the school’s football coach to raise funds for new bleachers and lights. He said what started as a one-time fundraiser has since become an annual tradition.

“We had a car show, and we made over $500 and donated it to the high school,” Church said.

He said after talking to some people who participated in that event, he realized there was some interest in doing one every year. He said they wanted to continue to give back to the community and a $1,000 scholarship to support local students was created.

Ron Deboard, a veteran Navy mechanic, shows off the engine for his ‘69 Chevy Nova Saturday at the Belpre Masonic Lodge #609 for the 10th annual Cruise-In event, sponsored by Lambert Tatman Funeral Home. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

This year’s $1,000 scholarship went to Izzy Bond, a student aspiring to become a funeral director.

“She’s been shadowing one of our directors this year,” Church said.

This year’s event offered participants first, second, and third place trophies, with a $10 registration fee that included dash plaques for all who entered. He said they also had food to offer all in attendance.

“We’ve got a really good hot dog sauce made by one of our ladies,” Church said. “The car guys all come and not only show their cars, but they help us with our fundraising.”

Retired Navy mechanic Ron Deboard had his ’69 Chevy Nova on display and said he enjoys showing off at car shows.

Ron Deboard, a retired Navy mechanic, shines up his ‘69 Chevy Nova Saturday at the Belpre Masonic Lodge #609 for the 10th annual Cruise-In, sponsored by Lambert Tatman Funeral Home. Deboard said he has owned a Nova since high school and this particular one has won him numerous awards. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

“I’ve had this for a few years now,” Deboard said. “But I’ve owned a Nova since high school.”

He said this particular Nova has won him numerous awards, including being the only car at a show in Pomeroy last year to bring home two trophies.

“It’s a passion,” Deboard said about showing classic cars at shows. “We’re like a community and everyone puts in a lot of effort into their cars. They’re all like a work of art.”

Church said there will be another opportunity coming up for the local community to come and see some classic vehicles when the Belpre High School Alumni Association will host the Belpre Ice Cream Social and Cruise-In on July 12 from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. at Howes Grove Park in Belpre.

“We have it every year,” Church said. “We have ice cream, hot dogs and a car show. Last year’s car show, we had over 85 cars.”

The 10th annual Cruise-In event, sponsored by Lambert Tatman Funeral Home, took place Saturday at the Belpre Masonic Lodge #609 with cars and trucks from almost every era on display. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

Douglass Huxley can be reached at [email protected]