DISCOVERING KY: Somernites Cruise

DISCOVERING KENTUCKY

WHEN YOU GO:

By Ray Hunter

Photographs Courtesy of Somernites Cruise 4th Saturday of every month (April — October)

VENDOR ALLEY Find performance & restoration parts, great food & cool drinks

SWAP MEET For deals on used automotive parts, collectibles & other treasures

FIND OUT MORE www.somernitescruise.com

Somerset, the “Car Show Capital of Kentucky,” is home to the Somernites Cruise, the biggest monthly organized automotive event in the state. Car enthusiasts, owners, and spectators from over 20 states attend the public exhibition of current automobile models, debuts, concept cars, and out-of-production classics.

Executive Director of Somernites Cruise, Keith Floyd, has been involved with the event from its inception in 2000. “Somernites Cruise has been a part of the community and our lives for over two decades,” Floyd said. “There is an entire generation that doesn’t remember life before the car show.”

The event has indeed been a staple for the residents of Pulaski County and the surrounding areas. It is held on the 4th Saturday of each month between April and October. Somernites’ main attraction, the Saturday Show & Shine, begins at 12 noon and ends at 6 p.m. It is a non-judged event, open to all customs, classics, muscle cars, and highly modified late models.

“On the blocked-off streets of downtown Somerset, you can show off your classic, meet other enthusiasts, and admire the amazing cars on display,” Floyd said. “Somernites Cruise is always free to participants and spectators and delivers an exciting, family-oriented atmosphere in an entirely original setting.”

Hundreds, sometimes thousands, of spectators line the streets in their lawn chairs to watch the show cars and trucks entering downtown Somerset. Each cruise season, Somernites Cruise features several classic car raffles and giveaways. Raffle tickets are sold at the show and online for a chance to win Somernites’ Official Classic Raffle Car, a Gatormade car trailer, or a classic pickup truck. Official Somernites Cruise apparel is available for purchase at the Speed Shop trailer located on the town square at each show. “You never know what you might see at the car show. We’ve had countless celebrities visit over the years and performed weddings and vow renewals in the Square,” Floyd said. “In 2019, we had a display featuring the iconic 1968 Ford Mustang GT that Steve McQueen drove in the film Bullitt that sold for $3.4 million at auction.”

The featured car for September will be the Corvette Summer Showcase presented by Don Franklin Chevrolet, GMC, Buick. Somernites is excited to announce that Special Guest Dennis Gage, host of the popular television program “My Classic Car” will be in attendance.

“Folks also really enjoy the Cruisin’ the Strip portion at the end of the show,” Floyd said. “At 6 p.m., all the hotrods, classics, and customs exit the downtown area and head out to cruise up and down US 27.”

Floyd praised the volunteers of the massive event and said that, without them, the show would not be possible. “All of the men and women walking around in yellow shirts, they are the glue that holds this whole thing together,” he said. “Our volunteers are amazing. They’ve given hundreds of hours of their time, and I can’t brag on them enough.”

Somernites Cruise hosts several other events in September and October, including the 5th Annual Campin’ the Cumberland, the Covered Bridges of KY Cruise, and the 2nd Annual Jeep Nationals.

“Somernites Cruise would not exist without the help of our sponsors. They support us not only financially but also in so many other ways,” Floyd said. “If you are interested in becoming a Somernites Cruise sponsor, please download our Sponsor Registration packet on our website at somernitescruise.com. Or send an email to sponsors@somernitescruise.com or call (606) 872-2277.” continued on next page

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1 The featured car for August’s Cruise was the Ford Mustang and this blue 1967 model was spotted checking in. September 25 will be the Corvette Summer Showcase presented by Don Franklin Chevrolet, GMC, Buick with Special Guest Dennis Gage, host of popular television program “My Classic Car.”

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2 Classic cars line the streets of historic downtown Somerset for the monthly Somernites Cruise event held on the 4th Saturday of each month, from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. every April through October. Somernites Cruise is a family-friendly event that’s free for both spectators and participants to enjoy.

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3 Hundreds of spectators and car enthusiasts roam the streets of downtown Somerset. No festival is complete without food, and Somernites Cruise has plenty of menu options at Vendor Alley. There are also art and clothing booths. If you’re looking to buy or sell used auto parts, stop by the Swap Meet. 4 Somernites Cruise is one of the largest monthly organized classic and collector car show events in the country. This year marks the event’s 21st Anniversary. Each event typically has a theme, but all makes and models are welcome at every Cruise.