Anyone out tooling around town the weekend of August 19 was sharing the road with some of the most spectacular street rods in the Midwest.
To be exact, 135 of them.
August 19 and 20 the Wayne County Fairgrounds was a street rodders paradise as the Buckeye Ramblin Rods hosted the 32nd annual Rod Run and Roast.
One of the top annual car shows in the region, the Buckeye Ramblin Rods event featured custom-made and antique cars of all makes and models.
Many of the participants come back year after year and travel long distances to be a part of Woosters annual Rod Run and Roast.
According to Brian Alaura, Buckeye Ramblin Rods president, in addition to car enthusiasts from throughout the state of Ohio and its neighboring states, street rodders traveled from as far away as West Virginia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Indiana to take part in this special annual event.
One of the major reasons the show continues to draw large crowds is the family-friendly atmosphere the organizers have established over the years, along with the wide variety of activities available to show participants.
Alaura noted that Friday evening many of the street rod enthusiasts that had gathered at the fairgrounds traveled the short distance to the square in downtown Wooster to share their love of cars with the Wooster community as part of Main Street Woosters Cruise In and Concert, taking in the free concert by the 50s band Classic Trendz and enjoying festival foods.
There was also plenty for the street rodders to do at the fairgrounds itself during the event.
As 50s music filled the air, the street rod enthusiasts had the opportunity to take part in a whole host of family-friendly activities.
Its a fun thing to do, said Alaura, adding, theres a swap meet, camping, games to play, cars to look at and great oldies music playing.
In addition to drawings for door prizes provided by regional manufacturers of parts and accessories for street rods as well as local businesses, participants also had the opportunity to have their hard work rewarded by receiving awards for their prized vehicles.
Participants also took the opportunity to explore the Wayne County countryside through self guided driving tours.
More importantly, they had the chance to connect with fellow car enthusiasts, swapping stories on the adventures they have encountered meticulously restoring and handcrafting their one of a kind creations.
Since its inception in 1979, the Buckeye Ramblin Rods Rod Run and Roast has grown steadily. Outgrowing the facilities at Freedlander Park, which was the Rod Runs home for 27 years, the event shifted locations to the Wayne County Fairgrounds five years ago.
The additional space afforded with the move to the fairgrounds in combination with the outstanding camping facilities have made camping at the event a popular option for event participants.
For members of the Buckeye Ramblin Rods car club, it takes months of planning and an army of volunteers to make the annual event such a success.
The club itself formed shortly before the inaugural Rod Run and Roast 30 years ago, and is comprised of members from throughout the Wooster area. The mission of the club is to promote interest in various forms of automotive related activities, to create good fellowship and sportsmanship amongst its members, to encourage a better understanding of automotive related activities as a constructive sport among members of the public, and to promote safety in driving, automobile maintenance and overall vehicle operation.
