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An eclectic mix of autos are anticipated to gather on the Hope Town Square on Friday as First Fridays Cruise-in to Hope returns for its 2024 season at 5 p.m.

Helping to kick off Friday’s festivities will be the return of Jim Hayden and the Country Playboys who will perform on the bandstand during this RAIN OR SHINE event.  

"We are going to be a six-piece country band with real country music," says lead singer Jim Hayden. "We’ve got fiddles, steel guitar and all that we always bring."

Included in the band's playlist will be some George Jones, Merle Haggard and Johnny Paycheck, Hayden adds.   

Hayden says he and the boys are excited to return to Hope -- one of their favorite places to perform. 

"We’ve always have a good time there with a great turnout and great people" he says. "They really enjoy what we do and that’s why we do it. It’s gonna be a big Nashville sound, so bring your lawn chairs out and enjoy it."

Motorcycles, cars, and trucks of all makes and models are welcome, says Jason Eckart, Hope Town Manager and chairperson of the Cruise-in committee.

Food and drinks will be available from local vendors. 

A minimum $10 donation is encouraged as all proceeds from this month’s event will benefit Main Street of Hope, Eckart says.

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