Chamber Hosts Classic Car Cruise To 'Bring Smiles' To People

PLAINFIELD, IL — In a public announcement, Plainfield Cruise Nights said it will be hosting its first Classic Car Cruise on June 2, which will be a variant of its annual event that was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to Tasha Marsaglia, executive director of the Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce, the Cruise Nights — started six years ago — has not only been beneficial to local businesses but is also a fundraiser for the chamber.

"By not having this event, it is affecting our organization as well. But one of our big things was we still wanted to bring something to our community during this time," she said. "Our events have always been free for car goers to be a part of. The only way that we do actually make money to help cover costs is through our sponsorships and then our raffles."

Health directives from the governor as well as the need to maintain social distancing rules demanded that they try a new spin on this popular event. The Classic Car Cruise will see vehicles 20 years or older, drive for an hour through at least four neighborhoods in Plainfield starting at 6 p.m.

Participants need to register here and only 50 pre-registered cars will be allowed.

"We had to follow some guidance from the Plainfield Police Department. We're gonna be crossing different intersections and it's going to take a while for them to get through," Marsaglia said.
"So trying to keep it as easy as possible, but still bring smiles to not only all the people that are being able to participate, but also to the community."

All cars are being asked to assemble in front of the Plainfield Public Library at 5:30 p.m. and people need to stay in their vehicles as per CDC guidelines.

"We're really excited to do it. And then as long as this one goes well, we'll be able to do another one in June. Our hope is honestly that we might be able to have Cruise Nights in July and in August," Marsaglia said. "I just really want people to understand we know we're not going to please everybody with this. We're trying to do something positive during this time. So we're hoping for a good turnout."

With Illinois moving to Phase 3 of the governor's Reopen Illinois Plan, she said she is hopeful that the chamber can host some of its events that have been postponed to later part of the year. Even though these do not help them raise a lot of funds, she said they do them "because we enjoy it."

"It's been an interesting time for us and all of us hope we can bring back Cruise Nights in July," Marsaglia said. "We won't know until we are a little farther down the road."

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