The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Roar By the Shore car cruise canceled
Mentor-on-the-Lake event was to be held Sept. 5
The novel coronavirus has claimed another victim.
The latest is the annual Roar By the Shore classic car cruise-in in Mentor-on-the-Lake.
“It is with a heavy heart that the Roar By The Shore MOL group has elected to cancel our fifth annual event, which was going to be September 5th, 2020,” read a recent post on the group’s Facebook page. “This was not done lightly. We had a couple of conversations with the Lake County General Health District concerning our event. After talking with them, it was decided it would be best to cancel the event this year.”
Before making the decision, the group attempted to find alternative ways to host such an event.
“Unfortunately, given the constantly changing mandates and guidelines, as well as the overwhelming concern for the health and safety of our volunteers and all of those who would be in attendance, it became difficult to stage,” the Aug. 14 post says.
The show was used as a fundraiser for Greater Cleveland Fisher House, which builds homes on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers, enabling family members to be close to loved ones during hospitalization.
The event was begun after city budget cuts led to the loss of a community car show started by former Mayor John Rogers. The city-funded car show last was held in 2013.
Some citizens decided the show should go on, and they created a committee to bring it about.
The first Roar By the Shore MOL Annual Cruisein, held at Mentor Beach Park, was put on with donations raised by the committee.
In 2016, more than 200 vehicles took part and $1,200 was donated to charity.
“Our show grew very fast,” said organizer and Mentor-on-the-Lake Councilman Paul Morris. “It grew to be one of the largest shows in Lake County. We attracted people from Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, as well as all over Ohio. Some people have stated that it was the largest show in Lake County.”
He said planning is already underway for next year’s event, to be held Sept. 4.
“We want everyone, the participants, spectators and volunteers to be safe,” the Facebook post says. “We realize that some of you might be sad about our decision, but hope you forgive us and join us next year!”