Cruise-in season begins this week at two DHG locations.
Each Thursday from May through September, classic vehicle owners and enthusiasts will gather at Essenhaus and the Der Dutchman farm in Plain City for an evening of fun and fellowship.
Celebrating 20 years of hotrods in Middlebury
Essenhaus hosts Classic Car Cruise-Ins on Thursdays from 4:30 to 8 p.m. It’s a two-decades-old tradition that grew from a break room conversation between Campus Manager Joel Miller and the late Steve Payne.
“The first night was in May 2006. We had 25 cars, and we thought we were doing great,” recalled Events Coordinator Angela Miller. “It gradually grew each night until our last one, showcasing over 200 cars. Now 20 years later, 200 cars is a regular night, and our final cruise-in has surpassed 1,600 cars.”
The weekly event is free for participants and spectators alike, and those who register a vehicle will be entered into a weekly door prize drawing.
“We have a faithful following of people who have come on a regular basis since the beginning,” said Miller. “We are always excited to see the familiar faces but also love to welcome newcomers.”
Organizer hoping for record turnout in Plain City
Wayne Nisly oversees the cruise-ins that take place each Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the farm next to the Der Dutchman Restaurant. He hopes to surpass last season’s average of 305 cars and trucks participating each week.
“My goal is to average 400 per evening this year,” said Nisly. “I encourage attendees to assist me in reaching this goal! I send email messages accordingly to the 1,500 currently registered with email addresses in my database. So many attendees delight in doing what they can to help make the numbers grow.”
This is the 11th year for the free weekly event that features food and drink specials, oldies music, prize drawings, and more.
“The manager at the time, Dan Yoder, asked me if I would consider starting a cruise-in,” Nisly recalls. “Actually, I had never heard of such an event. After looking into what could be involved, I decided the property would lend itself to it very well. I had already managed the entire 18-acre property for a few years, which I considered my retirement work.”
More than a car show
While classic vehicles are the focus, the friendship, music, and laughter at both cruise-ins attract visitors from near and far.
“We always like to let people know that there is more to do than just the Cruise-In,” said Miller. “Come early and enjoy the grounds at Essenhaus: our restaurant and bakery, shops, and outdoor activities such as the Pumpkinvine trail, mini golf, and bike rentals.”
“We have the most friendly, caring, and appreciative people one could imagine attending,” Nisly said of the cruise-ins at Plain City. “I am so honored by these relationships and friendships because of these events!”
Cruise-in entertainment and activities
Essehnaus will have a monster truck at Thursday’s cruise-in kick-off offering rides for a small fee. The upcoming season also features performances from the Heartland Country Cloggers, and Blast from the Past with Keith Miller; an appearance from the Pulse FM remote truck; a family night with yard games; a 50’s-themed night; and more. For the full schedule or to sign up for email updates, visit Essenhaus.com/cruise-in.
Thursday cruise-ins at the Der Dutchman in Plain City run through Oct. 2, ending that evening with a banquet in the restaurant for participants. The upcoming season also features two Saturday events: a morning Coffee and Donut Cruise-In on Sept. 13 and the annual Hymn Sing two weeks later. For updates, check out the Der Dutchman Cruise-In page on Facebook.
Cruisers to return to Bellville
Cruise-ins begin June 10th at the Der Dutchman Restaurant in Bellville, taking place on the first Tuesday of each month through September from 4 to 8 p.m. There’s cost to participate or attend the cruise-ins. Door prizes will be given away at each event, and kids eat for free with an adult buffet purchase. The gift shop and bakery will offer special discounts, and kids 10 and under play mini golf for free.