It’s going to be a big weekend in Forest Grove

Forest Grove is gearing up for a busy weekend — especially if you like cool cars.

With not one, but three car shows and meetups planned, plus the 20th anniversary of the Forest Grove Farmers Market, it’s panning out to be an action-packed weekend in the Grove.

Saturday, July 20

The Forest Grove Senior & Community Center will present its 15th annual Cruis’n in the Grove car show and block party. The free event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 20 at 2033 Douglas St.

Meanwhile, Five Star’s Family Burger in Cornelius will also host a car meetup from noon to 4 p.m. at the restaurant, located at 1284 Baseline St.

Sunday, July 21

If you aren’t over wheels just yet, check out the 50th annual Concours d'Elegance Car Show , presented by the Rotary Club of Forest Grove. The event is planned for 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 21 at Pacific University.

Then, head over to the Forest Grove Farmers Market to celebrate its 20th anniversary in a celebration hosted by Adelante Mujeres and City Club of Forest Grove from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Main Street.

Traffic tips from the Forest Grove Police Department

The weekend events are expected to bring thousands of visitors to Forest Grove, and residents should prepare for traffic congestion.

Andrew Colasurdo, a patrol sergeant with the Forest Grove Police Department, said Pacific Avenue near Highway 47 is typically where the most congestion happens.

“This is mostly because Pacific Avenue is the main highway in and out of the city," he said. “There are also several businesses and apartment complexes in this area.”

However, any part of town where there is an event will likely see an increase in traffic, Colasurdo said.

In a Facebook post, FGPD also noted that Main Street will be closed from Pacific Avenue to 21st Avenue, and 21st Avenue will be closed between A Street and College Way on Sunday, July 21. Additionally, drivers should expect increased traffic heading into Cornelius Saturday, July 20, due to traffic on Baseline Street.

In anticipation of heavier traffic, Colasurdo said it’s a good idea for drivers to give themselves more time to reach their destination.

“When drivers are in a rush we see an increase in speeding, dangerous lane changes/turns, and other unsafe driving behaviors,” he said.

Drivers should also take care to focus when they’re behind the wheel.

“Officers regularly see drivers distracted by cellphones, food, animals, passengers, and countless other things,” Colasurdo said. “Distracted driving is extremely dangerous and is often a contributing factor in crashes.”

FGPD urged people to keep streets safe by practicing extra patience, paying attention to signs and being mindful of increased foot traffic in the area.

“We are excited about all the fun events happening and look forward to interacting with people,” Colasurdo said. “We want everyone to have a great time and get safely to and from their destinations.”