CARS, ‘CYCLES & MORE CARS

Downtown Newton truly is a marvelous sight to behold when it is full of people, and full of awesome looking cars and motorcycles.

Newton Main Street is kickstarting the engine roaring with Thunder Nites. The annual community motorcycle rally makes its triumphant return after a brief hiatus and is now under the watchful eye of Main Street volunteers. As an added bonus, the bike night event from 6 to 10 p.m. June 10 will be held downtown.

Laurie Moffitt, chairperson of Newton Main Street’s promotions/organization committee, told Newton News in April the new ownership allows the downtown organization to turn Thunder Nites into a fundraiser, ensuring there will be more bike nights and opportunities for economic vitality for years to come.

So far the community interest seems high, judging by the positive feedback Main Street received when it announced it was taking over Thunder Nites.

“I was overwhelmed by it in a good way,” Moffitt said. “But now I guess that makes it even more exciting for the city of Newton to be able to have an event like this that does bring so many people from different cities and states and gives us an opportunity to really show off our downtown.”

After the bikes leave, classic cars and sporty rides will take over the town square. The Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Cool Cars” Car Show will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 11. Parking and registration for participating cars will be from 8 to 10 a.m. The registration fee is $10, or $15 the day of.

According to information posted by the chamber, the car show will award trophies for best of show, people’s choice and other classes. Pre-register for the car show at the chamber office, 113 First Ave. W., calling by phone at 641-792-5545 or online at www.experiencenewton.com.

Are there opportunities for trophies? Well, duh! Participants can win the coveted “best of show” trophy or “people’s choice” award, in addition to the honors for different classes. When the car browsing has finished, Newton Fest guests can make their way to the Iowa Speedway for even more car action.

The ARCA Menards Series Race begins at 8 p.m. June 11 at the Iowa Speedway. Grandstand tickets start at just $19. Kids ages 12 and under can see the race for free!

Danielle Rogers, community marketing manager for the City of Newton, said the volunteers involved with car show and bike nights have years of experience making events downtown happen successfully.

“…I’m excited to see people back on the square for these two iconic events,” Rogers said. “I think people get excited being in the heart of the community and the downtown is definitely one of the gems of Newton that those of us who plan events like to showcase.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com