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It happened finally!!!FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cruising Returns to Downtown Huntington on Saturday Nights
Fourth Avenue Cruise Set for Last Saturday of Each Month, May Through October
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The sights, sounds, and excitement of classic cruising are officially returning to Downtown Huntington as the “Last Saturday Night Cruise” kicks off on Fourth Avenue from May through October.
Cruising will take place on the last Saturday night of each month along Fourth Avenue between 11th Street and 16th Street in Downtown Huntington. Organizers also announced that there will be no street parking permitted between 13th Street and 14th Street during cruise hours to help improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
For many longtime Huntington residents, cruising Fourth Avenue is more than just a pastime — it is part of the city’s cultural identity. During the late 1980s, then-Mayor Bobby Nelson recognized the importance of preserving cruising culture instead of simply banning it like many cities across America chose to do. Rather than shutting it down, Mayor Nelson worked to relocate cruising activity from Fourth Avenue to a specially designated roadway known as “Cruise Avenue,” believed to have opened around 1987.
Organizers say that decision helped preserve an important piece of Huntington history and demonstrated Mayor Nelson’s understanding of the economic and social value cruising brought to the city.
“Mayor Bobby Nelson understood that cruising was part of Huntington’s heartbeat,” said West Virginia State Senator Mark R. Maynard. “Instead of trying to K*ll the culture, he embraced it and created a solution that allowed people to continue gathering and enjoying downtown. That took vision.”
Maynard also praised Phillip Nelson, son of former Mayor Bobby Nelson, for supporting the revival effort. Phillip Nelson owns the corner property on the north side of Fourth Avenue and 11th Street and has been enthusiastic about seeing cruisers return downtown for the first time since the late 1980s.
“Phillip Nelson understands the value of the downtown Huntington vibe,” said Maynard. “He knows these events bring life, energy, and people back into the city.”
Senator Maynard first launched the modern revival effort in September 2022 with the inaugural “Cruise Avenue/Fourth Avenue Reunion.” The Sunday evening event drew large crowds and quickly evolved into a successful monthly cruise tradition.
After attending the popular Cool Cruisin’ Nights events on Mercer Street in Princeton, West Virginia, Adam Kazee advocated for moving the Huntington cruise from Sunday evenings to Saturday nights.
“Saturday night cruising is just more magical,” said Maynard. “People don’t have church obligations on Saturday nights and dont have to worry about work obligations early Monday morning. It simply makes more sense for families and car enthusiasts.”
Maynard credited Huntington City Councilwoman Tia Rumbaugh for helping make the new Saturday night format a reality.
“Unfortunately, some businesses west of 11th Street believe cruising will hamper their business, and establishments such as The Ale House, Jewel City Seafood and Margaritas do not currently want cruisers parking in front of their businesses,” said Maynard. “But I’m hopeful those businesses will eventually come around when they realize this isn’t broke high school students cruising anymore. These are grown adults driving six-figure investments who support local businesses and spend money downtown. Hopefully, someday these restrictions can be lifted.”
Maynard added that initial discussions with Huntington City Council in December received a lukewarm response, but Councilwoman Rumbaugh stepped forward to help navigate the details and move the initiative forward.
“The mayor really couldn’t do much at the time, but Councilwoman Tia Rumbaugh stepped up to the plate and made this happen,” Maynard said. “I sincerely appreciate her efforts.”
Additional thanks were extended to longtime cruiser Brad Sanford, who helped maintain momentum during the transition from Sunday nights to Saturday nights and rarely missed a cruise event.
Maynard also thanked Adam Kazee, president of the Dirtbags Car Club; Senator Maynard‘s sister Lisa Dean for her behind-the-scenes support; and Vanessa Mills, who organizers say carried on the tradition of her family’s long involvement in Huntington’s car show and cruise scene.
“Vanessa truly went all out helping with the Sunday night cruises and carrying on the spirit of her car show family,” Maynard said.
Organizers encourage families, classic car owners, hot rod enthusiasts, motorcycle riders, and the public to come experience the return of one of Huntington’s most iconic traditions.
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