WESTFIELD-Well known radio personality Bruce Marshall will once again bring his love of oldies music – and classic cars – together for Cruisin’ with Bruce Marshall events on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in the city.
“I love bringing local events to communities like this and it also provides an opportunity for people to show their cars and socialize,” said Marshall, who is owner and general manager of the Valley’s Classic Hits 97.7 FM.
Now in its fifth year, the cruisin’ night at the Hampton Ponds Plaza at 1029 North Road is conducted on Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to dusk, from May 4 through September.
Bruce Marshall will host cruise nights on Tuesdays at the Hampton Ponds Plaza and Wednesdays at the Shaker Farms Country Club. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
If the weather is questionable on a particular evening, Marshall said he usually decides between 1-2 p.m. and places an announcement on the Cruisin’ with Bruce Marshall Facebook page.
Marshall noted on average there are 75 to 100 cars on display at each cruise night.
“We adhere to all local and Centers for Disease Control guidelines regarding COVID-19,” said Marshall. “We want people to feel comfortable to come to a show.”
For area residents attending a cruise night, expect to hear tunes from the 1950s, 60s and early 70s.
“We play everything from Buddy Holly to the Beach Boys,” he said.
As part of the evening’s festivities, Marshall also conducts a 50/50 raffle with proceeds benefitting the Warrior’s Art Room, based in Westfield.
“A representative from the Warrior’s Art Room will be here and we encourage veterans and military to attend,” he said.
Tuesday night shows have several sponsors, including Firtion Adams Funeral Service, Whip City Fiber, CarQuest, the Valley’s Classic Hits 97.7 FM, and Gary Rome Hyundai.
Marshall is also excited to announce that a cruisin’ night series will be conducted at the Shaker Farms Country Club at 866 Shaker Road on Wednesdays beginning May 5.
“I have been hosting car shows since 2003 and enjoy working with everyone,” said Marshall, noting that Nancy Kotowitz, one of the Shaker Farms Country Club owners, stopped by last year at the Hampton Ponds Plaza to see an event.
“I was really impressed when I saw the Hampton Ponds show,” said Kotowitz, noting she also likes the charity aspect of each event.
“We have a nonprofit, Family Resource International, which offers golf lessons to at-risk youth during the summer,” said Kotowitz. “Because of COVID we were unable to offer the program last year but look forward to resuming the classes this summer.”
Kotowitz said that in addition to viewing the classic cars in the Shaker Farms parking lot, attendees can gather at the pavilion, and the deck and patio areas feature opportunities for pub fare and a beer cart.
“We are always looking for innovative ways to introduce Shaker Farms Country Club to the community,” said Kotowitz.
Marshall noted that for any nonprofit or business interested in hosting a car show as a fundraising event, he relishes the chance to put a show together.
“It’s a great fundraising idea,” he said.
