MASSILLON − A sort of new, but very familiar event, roared into Tiger Town.
Officially, it was the third annual Massillon Cruise-In & Music Festival on June 6. But the roots of this daylong community gathering — featuring gobs of classic and sports cars and trucks — go back to 1990.
After a brief hiatus, the old Cruise-On-In and Dance Party returned in 2024 in its current format.
Centered around several downtown blocks, along Lincoln Way, the festival began at noon and was to continue until 9 p.m.
Thousands of visitors to the free event were expected to soak in the sights and sounds — and likely some rain and possible thunderstorms expected in the afternoon.
Among those on hand was Massillon’s Todd Beckett, also known as Barney Fife impersonator extraordinaire.
Dressed in his deputy uniform, Beckett paid homage to “The Andy Griffith Show” with his Ford Galaxie sheriff’s cars, including a 1963 model.
“It’s my own creation,” he said.
The festival also featured food vendors, the music of Crossroads, 3-Piece Chicken Dinner and New Wave Nation at Duncan Plaza, and an evening historical and tribute video, to celebrate the city’s bicentennial.
Primary car show sponsors were Aqua Ohio, Bitdeer, MCTV and Fresh Mark.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Annual Cruise-In car show roars into Tiger Town | Photos
Reporting by Tim Botos, Canton Repository / The Repository
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Tim Botos, Canton Repository | USA TODAY Network
