For gear heads like Marc Milhander, summer doesn’t officially begin until the first Wednesday in June.

That is when downtown Niles closes its streets for what is quickly becoming one of its most popular summer traditions — the Bring It Cruise In and Car Show.

“There is a large number of enthusiasts in the region looking to be part of the gear-head community and we provide a venue for that,” said Milhander, who runs Niles’ Kar Club, Inc., and spearheaded the first cruise-in in 2011.

The Bring It Cruise In and Car Show opens up the season Wednesday with Ford Night and musical guest Hey Annie. It continues from 5 to 9 p.m. each Wednesday through Aug. 27 with a different theme and live musical guest.

Vehicles of all makes and models — from muscle cars to motorcycles — are welcome at each event, which averages about 100 registered automobiles, Milhander said.

Trophies and other awards will be handed out to vehicles in several

categories, including Best of Show, Runner Up, Top Bike, Top Marque, Mayor’s Choice, People’s Choice and the Tom Rasler AAA Award.

For the first time, the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce will be serving adult beverages on the first Wednesday of each month. Proceeds will help support chamber events.

This year’s sponsors include: Karl Weis Auto Body Shop, The Nugget, Niles Styles, Precision Auto Body and Towing, Tom Rasler AAA Insurance, United Federal Credit Union, Pizza Transit, Honor Credit Union, Red Star Gas and Welding, Tyler Automotive Group, Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union, Veni’s Sweet Shoppe, Lane Automotive, Riveridge Manor Assisted Living Center, Fry Rides and Fabrication, Four Flags Chamber of Commerce, Campbell Ford, Ole Factory Hue Bistro and Catering, Third Street Pizzeria and Delta Industrial Valves (the event’s first major corporate sponsor).

“Our sponsorship campaign is really growing,” Milhander said. “We have a community of business people willing to support the event because they understand there is a positive economic impact when 1,000 people or more come here every week.”

Delta Industrial Valves will have staff recruiting for jobs at each event.

“It is a major thing for Niles,” Milhander said.

The event requires several downtown streets to be closed beginning at around 5 p.m. each Wednesday.

 

2014 Bring It

Music Program

June 4 — Hey Annie

June 11 — Al Mott

June 18 — Top Secret

June 25 — Mud and Dust

July 2 — Vandyke Revue

July 9 — Big Leg Mama

July 16 — High Life

July 23 — Art Gomperz featuring Jenna Mammina

July 30 — Elwood Splinters Blues Band

Aug. 6 — Oblates of Blues

Aug. 13 — The Balos Family with Jake Carpenter

Aug. 20 — Bucktown Ramblers

Aug. 27 — Keith Scott Blues Band