At least 130 vintage rides will be rolling into Ligonier on Friday, as The Stroll returns after a pandemic-year hiatus.
This year’s event promises to be bigger than ever, with the reserved area for the antique and classic car show expanded to accommodate more vehicles.
As usual, the vintage rides will line the Diamond and one block east and west on Main Street. For the first time, they also will be parked one block north and south of the Diamond on Market Street.
Even without one of the 130 reserved spaces, other vehicle owners are welcome to join the retro fun.
“If they were unable to get a reserved spot, they can still park anywhere in town where it’s allowed,” said Amy Beitel, executive director of the Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce, the event sponsor.
Hours for the event are 6 to 9 p.m. The chamber invites visitors to come early for shopping at downtown businesses and for a meal at one of the local restaurants.
Ligonier Valley Education Trust will be selling a variety of pies by the slice in the Town Hall courtyard. Ligonier Borough firefighters will sell hot dogs and hamburgers on the Diamond.
Ligonier Radio will provide a background of 1950s music for the nostalgia-themed evening, and the Swing City orchestra will perform classic dance music on the bandstand from 7 to 9 p.m.
Beitel noted that, while strollers are welcome to dance along with the music, the traditional dance contest will not take place this year.
Because the event is planned months in advance, organizers erred on the side of caution to account for any social distancing protocols that might be in place, she said.
“We hope we can bring the dance contest back next year,” she said.
The event goes on, rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, the Swing City concert will be held 7-9 p.m. in the Town Hall auditorium.
Sponsors of this year’s event include Betsy’s of Ligonier, Carol & Dave’s Roadhouse, Charles M. Mills Insurance Agency Inc., El Vaquero Mexicano, G Squared Gallery, Howard Hanna Real Estate, Ligonier Paws on Main, Mack M. Darr Co., Ralph and Ginny Bennett and Town & Country Ford.
For more information, call 724-238-4200 or visit ligonier.com.
Shirley McMarlin is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Shirley at 724-836-5750, [email protected] or via Twitter .