The growing Octane Nights on Main Street Cruise In returns to Ravenna on Aug. 7, with thousands of cars expected to line the half-mile stretch on the city's east end.
Tricia Krause, the annual event's organizer, said the show again will span a half mile along East Main Street, from Freedom Street to State Route 14. Last year, 5,000 cars were displayed along Main Street and in various parking areas as about 18,000 spectators enjoyed the festivities.
The road will be closed starting at 2 p.m. Wednesday, and the show runs 3 to 9 p.m.
"It seems like it grows every year," she said.
How did the car show get its start?
The show started in 2014 and typically draws hundreds of cars, even when weather is poor.
The cruise-in moved to early August in 2021 to avoid heavy rains later in the month, and was canceled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Months later, Gary Krause , the driving force behind the event since it was founded in 2014, died of COVID.
Tricia Krause, his widow, brought the event back in 2021.
New traffic pattern
Krause said the city has instituted a new traffic pattern for all traffic entering the festival area. Although the road is closed, cars still travel into the area looking for a parking space throughout the event. In past years, they drove in both directions.
"New for this year, the city has implemented a traffic pattern change," she said. "All traffic must enter from west to east."
Those coming from the east must take State Route 14 to Freedom Street or North Chestnut Street, and then enter from the west.
Krause said parking is difficult to find, both for spectators and for those who are showing their cars. If people don't have VIP parking passes, she recommends arriving early.
"Technically, the show starts at 3 p.m.," she said. "But it starts at 6 a.m. We arrive and see cars already parked on Main Street, long before the street closes."
PARTA shuttle
Because spectator parking can be hard to find, the Portage Area Regional Transit Authority again will offer shuttles to the cruise in.
Spectators can park at UH Portage Medical Center or Ravenna High School. PARTA will bring them to the show for $1 per person each way. The shuttles will drop off riders at the corner of East Main and Freedom streets. Cost is $1 each way, and riders paying with cash must have exact change, or can pay through PARTA's app.
The option was tested in 2022 and also was offered last year.
VIP parking
Last year, Krause, who owns Mongoose Motorsports and Portage Trim, decided to offer VIP parking at her shop. Those who paid $25 in advance would get a guaranteed parking spot.
This year, Summit Racing is sponsoring the VIP parking, and it has expanded, from New Milford Drive to Hazel Drive. Those who paid $25 in advance will get a guaranteed parking spot, plus a gift from Summit Racing.
"The day we put them on sale, they were sold out instantly," she said. "We have a waiting list."
Things to do
Besides thousands of classic cars, there are other things to see.
There will be performances by Ride 4 Life . The Dusty Armadillo will bring its big chair for photos. Shalersville sculptor Bill Starcher is expected to bring his vehicle, along with some of his sculptures.
In addition to local businesses, there will be a few food trucks to feed the crowd.
The Ravenna Rumble will take place at 7 p.m., in honor of Gary Krause.
Where are people coming from?
Tricia Krause said she has received inquiries from all over the United States − and one from Canada.
Some people, she said, have said they are bringing their cars from Texas, Florida and North Carolina.
"They're coming from all over," she said. "It's really incredible that our show has gotten attention from people from other states."
Reporter Diane Smith, who has covered the Cruise-In since it started, can be reached at 330-298-1139 or dsmith@recordpub.com.
This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Octane Nights car show heads back to Ravenna on Aug. 7
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