Cruise Night goes virtual

MIDDLETOWN — The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce announces the 23rd annual Cruise Night on Main Street has been rescheduled to Flag Day, June 14, in a virtual format.

For the last 22 years, the event has been a tradition for car enthusiasts and spectators alike, according to a press release.

This year, for the first time ever, Cruise Night on Main Street will be virtual due to coronavirus concerns.

Dubbed “Start Your Engines to Sunday Funday — Middletown is Virtually Cruisin’ in 2020,” the gathering will be filled with American spirit, cars and fun while following the social distancing guidelines designated by the state, the release said.

The virtual celebration will showcase classic and antique vehicles, which will travel a 3.8-mile route throughout the downtown. The route has been designed to pass the police station, fire personal and Middlesex Hospital. Participants can honk as they drive by to thank first responders, front-line and health-care workers, according to the chamber.

The virtual festivities will begin at 1 p.m., kicking off from the NAPA Auto Parts parking lot at 1260 Newfield St.

This year’s sponsors include:

Title Sponsor: NAPA; Hot Rod Sponsors: Downtown Business District and iHeartMedia; Car Show Sponsors: Eli Cannon’s Tap Room and Liberty Bank; Cruiser Sponsors: Middlesex Health, The Flood Law Firm and Department of Children and Families. Additional event supporters include: The Garage Guys Car

Club, The Eastern Chapter Over the Hill Gang Car Club, and the Connecticut Military Car Club.

“After 22 years, Middletown Cruise Night on Main Street has become a signature event for our city, and I could not be more excited for this year’s first virtual car show celebration while practicing social distancing,” chairman Joe Santaniello said in a prepared statement.

It “is another great example of how we have the most innovated chamber around. I am grateful to everyone who has made this day such a tremendous success, year after year to help support our Middletown Youth Programs,” he added.

It will benefit several entities, including the Hal Kaplan Middletown Mentor, Middletown Recreation and the Middletown Summer Youth Employment programs.

There is a suggested donation of $10 for participants. Visit cruisenightonmain.com for more information. The rain date is June 21.

Questions can be directed to Sandy Heinly at 860347-6924 or sandra@middlesexchamber.com.