On Friday, the annual automobile show made its return following being canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Don Pratt of Jamestown brought his1946 Ford to the cruise-in during a beautiful evening to show off his classic automobile. Pratt didn’t enjoy not being able to display his automobile last year during the pandemic.

“It’s a lot better this year,” he said.

Pratt said he purchased the vehicle five years ago.

“I liked it and I saw it advertised for sale for quite awhile, and I decided I wanted it,” he said.

Sam Jengo of Jamestown next to his 1949 Mercury Coupe at the Jamestown Cruise-In Friday. Jengo has a decal of James Dean on the rear window of the car because the famous actor drove the same model in the 1955 movie “Rebel Without A Cause.” P-J photos by Dennis Phillips

Sam Jengo of Jamestown drove his 1949 Mercury Coupe to North Main Street to join in on the entertainment happening downtown during the car show, which included live music from the In Crowd.

Jengo’s two-door coupe is the same model of car James Dean drove in the 1955 movie “Rebel Without A Cause. Jengo has a decal of Dean on the vehicle’s rear window and painted the car black to emulate the actor’s famous movie ride.

Jengo said he goes to Fairmount, Ind., the last weekend of September to display the Mercury during the James Dean Festival, which is held in the late actor’s hometown.

“I like to see the people’s faces when they see the car,” he said. “Especially the older folks who recognize the car.”

Ken Moore of Jamestown attended the Jamestown Cruise-In in his 1965 Ford Ranchero. Moore said he purchased the car because he likes the mid to late model 1960s Fords.

People dancing to music being performed by the In Crowd during the Jamestown Cruise-In Friday. P-J photo by Dennis Phillips

“I try to get here every year,” he said. “I like to talk to people about it and see people I know.”

The Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Der Kobblers Automobile Association, hosted the automobile show that was held along Third Street between Washington and Spring streets.

The Babe Ruth World Series Committee was also there selling hamburgers, hotdogs and Pepsi products. The Jamestown Cruise-In was sponsored by Ahlstrom Schaeffer Electric and M & T Bank.

People viewing classic automobiles during the Jamestown Cruise-In Friday. P-J photo by Dennis Phillips