Clarksburg will hop back into the '50s Saturday as up to 300 highly polished classic cars and an expected 3,000 people flock to Rosebud Plaza along Route 19 for the Sixth Annual Summer Car Cruise beginning at 6 p.m.
Baby boomers and Generation Xers alike are invited to experience the nostalgia of the '50s era while they help raise funds for the Clarksburg League for Service's Mother and Baby Clinic, which offers health care to poor mothers and their newborns.
"It's really fun, free entertainment," T&L co-owner Mike Henderson said of the cruise. "It doesn't cost anyone a nickel."
Although there is no entrance fee, money will be raised from a $5 registration fee for the owners of the classic cars and 50/50 raffle tickets will benefit the Mother and Baby Clinic.
Although about 20 classic cars from as far as Pennsylvania and as close as Clarksburg usually park in front of T&L every Saturday night, the owners of old cars like the coveted '57 Chevy will be enmasse this Saturday.
The cars and their owners, sitting in lawn chairs beside their beloved cars, will be available for conversations with the public on the by-gone days.
"These cars are extreme," Henderson said.
"They're prettier than the cars in the showroom today."
Saturday night will feature a nostalgic carnival atmosphere, as attendees can choose from hulahoop and other ability contests '50s era costume contests, trivia and even door prizes. Live entertainment will include a '50s dance team, an oldies band and D.J. Mark Mills of WVHF 92.7 FM.
This year's cruise will also be graced with the presence of the 2000 Miss West Virginia contestants.
Staff writer Franny White can be reached at 626-1443.