Cool cars cruise to counter coronavirus blues

GILLETTE — The rumble of American muscle echoed off the storefronts of Gillette Avenue as lines of cool, classic cars and modern-day marvels cruised around the downtown district during the early evening hours Friday.

It was an effort to get cars cruising around to entertain vehicle owners and spectators alike. The throwback to the past was initially sparked by Gillette Main Street. 

Eight-year-old Lyndsey McDiarmid was one of those enjoying the spectacle on the sidewalk. With every car that went by, she could barely contain her excitement, hooting and hollering with her family by her side.

The Johnson family had no idea the event was happening until they heard the rumbles of cars from their downtown home just up the street. With that, Mary and Jim Johnson brought their daughter Annie, 2, and dog Nissa out to see the show at the last second.

“This is awesome for her,” Mary said about her daughter’s enjoyment of the spectacle.

“We were very pleased,” Gillette Main Street program coordinator Stefanie Crawford said. “We counted 70-plus individual vehicles. We’re hoping this Friday will improve in numbers.”

Last Friday was just the beginning for the Friday-night cruises. Crawford said Gillette Main Street’s intent is for this to continue as a way for folks to get out of the house and entertain themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Crawford also hopes more businesses will get involved, just like EK Jewelers owner Erica Kissack, who was joined by Brad Hepper with signs promoting their store along the Gillette Avenue sidewalk.

“It brings people downtown and reminds them we are here,” Crawford said.