Classic cars and community spirit fuel Chesterton Cruise-In

There’s a certain sound that takes over Broadway on summer evenings in Downtown Chesterton. The low growl of an engine, the sharp gleam of polished chrome, and the laughter of families drifting between rows of cars. It all comes together at the Chesterton Cruise-In, a monthly gathering that has become as much about community as it is about cars.

The Cruise-In runs from 4 to 8 p.m. on the last Saturday of the month, May through September. For many, it feels less like a car show and more like a neighborhood block party. People pull up with their classic cars, hot rods, trucks, or motorcycles and line the streets from South Calumet Road to Fourth Street. There are no entry fees and no trophies to chase, just people showing off the rides they love and swapping stories with anyone who stops to look.

“It’s a family-friendly event right in the heart of Downtown,” said organizer Bradley Pikula, who also owns and operates Mel’s Detail Shop. “There’s no registration, no judging, and only a few vendors. The whole point is for people to come together, relax, and enjoy the evening.”

The setting couldn’t be better. Thomas Centennial Park provides a backdrop of shady trees, and the timing lines up right after the town’s European Market wraps up for the day. By the time the cars start rolling in, the Downtown is already buzzing.

“The park is beautiful, and being right after the market keeps everything moving in town,” Pikula said. “It’s a perfect way to end a Saturday.”

For more than 10 years, the Cruise-In has brought people back month after month. Pikula said he doesn’t need to advertise much. Word of mouth and tradition keep the streets filled.

“People really look forward to it,” he said. “The folks who bring their cars and the families who come to see them are what make this show what it is.”

For many, Cruise-In has turned into a family tradition.

“My dad brought me here when I was a kid, and now I’m bringing my own kids,” said Chesterton resident Mark Thompson. “They get just as excited as I used to. It’s something we do together every summer.”

For others, it’s about more than the cars.

“You can spend hours just talking with people,” said Sarah Lopez of Valparaiso. “Everyone has a story behind their car, and you realize pretty quickly that you’re part of a community.”

Longtime enthusiasts see it as a way to share a piece of the past.

“These cars take me right back to my younger years,” said Bill Harris of Portage, the owner of a restored 1969 Chevrolet Camaro. “It’s not just about showing off a car. It’s about the memories that come with it.”

That combination of nostalgia, friendship, and family has kept the Cruise-In going strong. Pikula believes that has always been the focus.

“This show isn’t about competition,” he said. “It’s about community.”

The final Cruise-In of the season takes place on Saturday, Sept. 28. For anyone who has never experienced it, the night is simple and worth it. Bring a chair, grab an ice cream from a Downtown shop, and take in the sight of Broadway lined with cars and stories. Chances are you’ll walk away with more than just pictures of classic rides. You might leave with a new memory of your own.

Stay up-to-date on what is happening in Chesterton by visiting its website: www.chestertonin.org.