Sylvania adults get their turn to 'take it to the streets'

Sue Rioux, 73, of North Toledo, center right, points to one of the classic cars her grandson, Patrick Rioux, 14, is photographing as the pair peruse the selection during the event Taking it to the Streets on Thursday.

It was "hoods up" on all the vintage and new sleek car models that lined Monroe Street today for the Sylvania Chamber of Commerce’s Taking it to the Streets, the adult version.

Normally the summer event Taking it to the Streets features films for kids just out of school, but tonight was for everyone in the family, specifically the parents as well as those spectators who just finished watching the first round of the Marathon Classic LPGA tournament.

The event featured a car show, local vendors serving food, music, and activities for kids. 

PHOTO GALLERY: Taking It To The Streets

Pat Nowak, executive director of Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce said hosting the event to coincide with the golf competition is a good economic tool to showcase Sylvania to those visitors here for the weekend to watch the tournament at Highland Meadows Golf Club.

Although the event started at 5 p.m, car owners brought out their shiny rides - from vintage Ford Model Ts to new Ford Mustangs - as early as 2:30 p.m.

Tom Eyre, of Sylvania, sat on the sidewalk with friends in front of his 2006 red Mustang GT.

“We came out early to get a premium parking spot,” he said.

About 100 cars were exhibited in the car show and were judged in a People’s Choice and Best of Show contest.

Beer, hot dogs, funnel cakes, and elephant ears were all on hand to people strolling the streets, like, Josie and Dennis Guenther of Sylvania.

“We have so much fun looking at the cars and reminiscing,” Mrs. Guenther said recalling when her family would take their car top down driving to the movie theater when she was a child.

The Downtown Sylvania Association also had a tent set up dishing up pizza, barbecue, and beverages to raise proceeds for their efforts to beautify Sylvania.

DJ Pat McCarty, who owns MC Sounds in Sylvania, played music to match the “tropical” temperatures that hovered in the mid-90s, including Jimmy Buffet and The Beach Boys.

Ms. Nowak said she expected 2,000 to 3,000 people to attend before the evening ended at 9 p.m.

Contact Natalie Trusso Cafarello at: 419-206-0356 or ntrusso@theblade.com.