Car stop and Shop Hop take over downtown

MT. PLEASANT — Friday night was ladies’ night in Mt. Pleasant with a classic car show and shop hop event downtown.

The second Friday of each month in the summer, parking is limited downtown as the square prepares to hosts the 20th Century Car Club's Summer Square Cruz-Ins.

According to club treasurer Daryl Shy the Car Guy, the club offers monthly get-togethers, cruising tours of areas of interest in the county, and even a family night out at East Lake Park, followed by an ice cream run to local shops.

The club is open to men and women with various vehicles including motorcycles, trucks, drag cars and not just classic cars.

“Club President Glenn Hamm’s baby is his 57 Chevy with a new corvette motor, and a 1967 Mustang currently undergoing restoration,” Shy said. “Vice President Mike Paine, has a 32 Coupe street rod under construction, Secretary Ed Kropa has a 32 Street Rod and a brand-new Corvette among his collection.”

Shy, a retired teacher, has three toys which includes a 1950 Mercury in his driveway.

The square is a pleasant setting for the events as car owners can sit in lawn chairs under the shade of the trees in the beautiful downtown square.

“The city Chamber of Commerce welcomes the nights also while adding various activities on some Friday nights,” Shy said. “it’s good for downtown business too as the 120 to 200 vehicles carrying one to four passengers monthly, buy gas, shop, and eat at the many places available on the square.”

This month Main Street Washington hosted a shop hop to accompany a “Lady’s Night” theme for the July car show.

Downtown businesses stayed open late and offered special deals for the evening.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com