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The Hope Town Square will be abuzz with activity as unique cars and trucks gather for the kickoff of the 2023 First Friday Cruise-in to Hope season from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday.  

Area nonprofits this season that are sponsored at the cruise-in will now receive 100 percent of the proceeds raised, says Hope Town Manager Jason Eckart.

“I think with the way the economy is right now, and just the way things are, that it’s a good thing we can try to give the nonprofits every bit we made as far as proceeds go,” he says.

The recipients of this month’s cruise-in is the Community Center of Hope. Volunteers from the organization will be selling drinks during Friday’s event, Eckart says, and every penny the group makes from sales will go right back into the organization.

“That is what I’m asking each no profit to do this year is when we are supporting them that they support us by selling drinks out there, as well,” Eckart says.

As the unique rides gather on the Town Square beginning around 4:30 p.m. Friday, there will be additional space cordoned off for their two-wheeled counterparts.

“We are going to put some bikes on the south side of the Square in the parallel parking spots, so when they come in they can park there, register and hopefully make a donation,” Eckart says. “I’ve had lots of requests for bikes to show up at the cruise-in and it’s always been a difficult scenario with as many cars as we get as to where to put the bikes – sometimes they don’t mingle well.”

Jim Hayden and the Country Playboys will return to offer a pickin’ and grinnin’ soundtrack for the evening filled with country favorites, including hits from iconic country greats like Merle Haggard and Hank Williams, Eckart says.

There will be delicious treats to be had at eateries surrounding the Square, as well as sweet frozen treats offered by the Sugar Shack with sno-biz flavors, Eckart says.

As always, organizers are hopeful for great weather Friday evening and encourage everyone to come check out some sweet rides, grab a bite to eat and enjoy the show!    

** For more information, visit Cruise-In to Hope on Facebook HERE.