Ruddell Cruise-In with cars, dunk tank

Published 12:12 am Friday, July 8, 2011

PORT ANGELES — Gentlemen and ladies, start your engines!

See a huge, chrome-filled array of cars and trucks, drop local celebrities into a dunk tank and enjoy hot dogs and music.

It’s the Ruddell Cruise-In, a combination car show and community block party, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. today (Friday, July 8).

The annual July event, now in its 15th year, is sponsored by Ruddell Auto Mall and Ruddell Hyundai.

It takes place at the twin car dealerships off U.S. Highway 101 at Golf Course Road on the east end of Port Angeles.

The centerpiece of today’s Cruise-In is hundreds of cars and trucks ­— from street machines to classics, vintage vehicles to hot rods.

Members from nearly a dozen different car clubs are expected.

Individual car enthusiasts are welcome as well.

Those wishing to show a car can register at the Ruddell Auto Mall entrance, with display parking on a first-come, first-served basis, starting at 3:30 p.m.

There is no charge, but because of space limitations, project cars — those not completed — and post-1980 cars are not allowed.

Spectators should not arrive until 5 p.m. to avoid traffic tieups.

The event will include live music and a dunk tank, giving visitors the opportunity to dunk local celebrities for a fee, with the money going to local charities.

Pop, hot dogs and hamburgers and ice cream will also be sold as a fundraiser.

“We expect this year’s show to be another great event with hundreds of cars,” said owner Howard “Howie” Ruddell.

“We are usually full within 45 minutes of opening the gate and expect the same again this year.”

The Old Timers car club from Bremerton will co-host the event.

“We expect cars from across Western Washington; from Bremerton, Tacoma, Puyallup, up to Bellingham, as well as some folks coming down from Canada,” said Jerry Scott, Old Timers chairperson.

Trophies will be awarded in a variety of categories, including Best of Show, Peoples Choice and Farthest Distance Traveled.

The Cruise In was started by Howie Ruddell’s father, the late H. “Mac” Ruddell, with help from Scott.

After success in the initial years, the car club and the dealerships forged a long-term relationship. The event has grown every year since its inception.

For more information, phone Ruddell Auto Mall at 360-452-6822.