Guest article by Larisa May. Published June 18, 2023 2:48 P.M. 

(Brighton Township, PA) Dozens of classic cars and trucks gathered at St. Barnabas’s facility on Dutch Ridge Road on June 17 for the first car cruise of the summer “Cruisin’ on the Ridge” series. The event series is being hosted by Beaver County Radio and Pennsylvania Hot Rod and sponsored by St. Barnabas Health System.

The event also served as the grand opening of Beaver County Radio’s new studio location. The station said goodbye to its Beaver Falls studio and started broadcasting from the new location Friday, June 16.

Like at most car cruises, owners sat by their vehicles ready to answer questions from curious passersby. Some even opted to wear outfits matching their cars.

Ron Price, the proud owner of a blue 1955 Ford Thunderbird was one of many who happened to complement his shirt with his car.

“It wasn’t fully intentional,” Price said, “but it does go well with it.”

Cars weren’t the only vehicles on display. Several vintage trucks were spotted at the event, many in eye-catching colors. Eventgoers could also see a small 1990 pink motorized toy car styled after a Chevy Corvette parked in its own parking space. A few cars being showcased were for sale, allowing those interested in entering the classic car market an opportunity to take a peek for themselves.

Some long-time Beaver County residents may remember the car shows hosted at St. Barnabas’s Beaver Meadows Assisted Living Facility. The event has grown since then, leading to the switch to the bigger location. The show is now held at the former Micheal Baker headquarters in Brighton Twp, which was acquired by St. Barnabas in 2018.

Various makes and models of classic cars and trucks were on display for viewers, with live music and entertainment throughout the afternoon. Food trucks served hungry guests, who were served an array of food from Bruster’s ice cream to funnel cakes and lemonade.

St. Barnabas hosted raffles throughout the day for assorted baskets and gift cards. Most notable was the Louis Vuitton handbag raffle, with 100 tickets being sold for $50 each. The proceeds from the raffles are going towards St. Barnabas’s “Free Care Fund” which provides aid to patients who cannot afford their care.

This is the first of four car cruises to be held at the facility this summer. The car shows will be hosted every third Saturday of the month from June through September from 12-5 P.M. The next one will be July 15 at 4301 Dutch Ridge Road. For more information, those interested can call (412) 719-4950.

Reach the reporter at larisamay01@gmail.com or on Twitter @LarisaMay01.