When many people think of Valparaiso, the first word that comes to mind is “community.” The people of Valpo are quick to take any opportunity that lets them get together with their neighbors, and that extends to the businesses they own and operate.
Fifteen years ago, Harley-Davidson of Valparaiso, following this theme of bringing people together, began its annual Cruise Night series. Bikers, car enthusiasts, music lovers, and families gathered Friday nights to celebrate summertime in the City of Valparaiso.
In the time since its inception, Harley-Davidson’s Cruise Night events have become a staple of summer in Valpo. The family-friendly atmosphere, live music, and collection of cool cars and bikes keeps the community coming back for more. It wouldn’t have been possible, however, without the support of that same community. The staff at Harley-Davidson of Valparaiso have worked tirelessly to build and maintain the Cruise Night events into something hundreds of Region residents enjoy with the help of many volunteers and customers from the surrounding areas.
“I want to start off by thanking all of our event sponsors as well as Leroy's ‘Hot Stuff,’ Rudy's Bar-B-Q, and the community for helping this event grow to where it is today. Also, a special thanks to our employees as well as all of our volunteers. Putting this event on for the last 15 years has been no easy task, and it definitely takes a village to make it all possible,” said General Manager of Harley-Davidson of Valparaiso Jeff Haggerty.
At the Cruise Night events, people from across the Region come to show off their rides, and as the event has grown, so have the activities. What started as a small gathering of enthusiasts has become an event attended by hundreds, with live music and food trucks on site to keep the whole family happy.
A few years ago, another Valpo mainstay began its own cruising event in downtown Valparaiso. Currie Motors Ford of Valpo invited the community to join them at Cruising Downtown Valparaiso as another opportunity for automotive aficionados to gather and connect. Now, as Harley-Davidson passes the torch, Haggerty encourages Cruise Night participants to continue supporting Cruising Downtown Valparaiso.
“Due to the tremendous support and attendance over the last few years, we have outgrown our current venue. We have run out of room for the show cars, the motorcycles, the vendors, and the spectators. We would like to see the event continue to grow. That is why we have decided to pass the torch to Currie Motors Ford of Valpo. We believe that they run a first class operation, and we are happy to see them run with this event. We know that Frank and his team love the event as much as we do and they will help drive it to the next level,” said Haggerty.
Currie Motors Ford of Valpo is kicking off Cruising Downtown Valparaiso on Friday, June 9. The event will take place every two weeks through July 21 at the Old 3D Lot just east of Lincolnway and Roosevelt Rd. Currie Motors Ford of Valpo is honored to carry the torch of this Valpo tradition.
"The Harley Davidson Cruise Night has been an integral part of Valparaiso's culture, and we at Currie Motors Ford of Valpo are honored to carry on this tradition. Our commitment to Cruising Downtown Valparaiso is a testament to our dedication to the community," said Currie Motors Ford of Valpo General Manager Frank Herrera.
As Currie Motors Ford of Valpo takes the reins on Cruise Night, the whole of Valparaiso can look forward to a summer of awesome events.
“I am a lifelong Valparaiso resident, and as far back as I can remember, the City of Valparaiso has had a cruise event of some sort. When I was a kid, it was cruising up and down Lincolnway to the old Burger King (now La Cabaña) and then back down the hill towards Campbell Street. Lincolnway was lined with people watching the cars, showing off their cars, and talking to friends. As I got older, the cruising moved to the County Seat Plaza. Again, people came from all over the Region to show off their cars, look at cars, and get together with their friends,” said Haggerty. “Cruising in Valparaiso has been a community staple for as far back as I can remember. I am looking forward to attending the Currie Motors Ford of Valpo event. We hope to see you there.”
To discover bike events and fundraisers, visit Harley-Davidson of Valparaiso’s Facebook page.
To stay updated on Cruising Downtown Valparaiso and other events and promotions in the Valparaiso area, visit Currie Motors Ford of Valpo’s Facebook page.
