Verona's car cruise marks its 25th anniversary in August, other events planned
Jul. 10—A showcase of chrome, horsepower and automotive ingenuity in Verona is nearing a major milestone.
The borough's annual car cruise turns 25 next month.
The celebration is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 14 along East Railroad Avenue near the borough building.
More than 110 cars are expected to be in the cruise, which will take place from 4-8:30 p.m. There will be a deejay, vendors and other activities.
A car ride through Verona into Oakmont and back is also part of the event.
It is presented by the Verona Chamber of Commerce and run by Mayor David Ricupero.
Excitement has been building since the cruise was canceled last year due to covid.
Ricupero said he anticipates a huge turnout since pandemic restrictions are being lifted and other communities already having their cruises.
"I've been to several car cruises already throughout the area, and they have grown," the mayor said. "Verona is noted for one of the better car cruises in the area. We do have a very nice show. It's well talked about."
The event is free and no registration is necessary.
Ricupero and chamber treasurer Lou Race initiated the event more than a quarter-century ago to coincide with the borough's 125th anniversary.
"It was a very big success and we kept it going ever since," Ricupero said. He plans to showcase his 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass S and a rare 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30.
Muscle cars from the 1960s and '70s make up most of the vehicles at previous cruises.
Penn Hills Councilman John Petrucci has brought his fleet to the neighboring borough's event many times.
He likes to park near the E.N. Miller Antique Mall along the 600 block of East Railroad Avenue and mingle with the crowd.
"The car enthusiasts are great people," Petrucci said. "Everybody's friendly. They like the cars. There's a variety of things that are going on at the same time the car cruise is going on, so it makes it more enjoyable for everybody.
"It's like going to the drive-in movies and it's date night."
He said it takes about a week to get his classics showroom ready.
Petrucci's cars include a 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle convertible rebuilt from the ground up; a 1970 Chevrolet El Camino; a 1969 Camaro convertible; and a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle that's shadow gray with black stripes.
Petrucci, 60, said he has had the car with the racing paint job since he was 15 years old. He enjoys seeing the other makes and models from his childhood at the cruises.
"I was born into the muscle car era in the '60s and '70s," he said. "Those were hot times. All of those years were a high performance age. ... There's tons of them down there (at the cruises)."
Penn Hills is expected to host a car cruise from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 11 at Penn Hills Community Park off Hunter Road and Colorado Street.
It is presented by the Penn Hills Rotary and will feature food trucks, music and vendors.
Other Verona events
Verona's car cruise is one of a slew of borough summer activities.
Movie in the Park is set for Friday, Aug. 13 at Railroad Park.
The movie "Cars" will be shown at dusk. Free popcorn will be available.
"Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark" will be shown Friday, Sept. 10.
Verona's 150th anniversary celebrations are scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 18 and Sunday, Sept. 19.
More information will be released in the coming weeks.
Keystone State Wrestling Alliance brings its Battle in the Borough to Cribbs Field from 3-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21.
It's presented by Lower Valley Athletic Foundation and Verona's parks and recreation department.
More information about Verona activities is available at veronaborough.org.
Michael DiVittorio is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Michael at 412-871-2367, mdivittorio@triblive.com or via Twitter .
