Cruise back to the fabulous '50s at The Stroll in Ligonier

If you have no particular place to go on Aug. 9, pick up Mustang Sally in your Little Deuce Coupe and head for Ligonier for some fun, fun, fun at The Stroll.

The 17th annual 1950s-themed car cruise and dance contest is set for 5-9 p.m. on the downtown Diamond and surrounding streets.

The event typically draws around 150 antique and classic cars, along with hundreds more nostalgia-minded strollers and dancers. Visitors are encouraged to iron their poodle skirts and dust off their blue suede shoes to get into the spirit of the night.

“At Abigail’s Coffeehouse, the whole staff dresses up, and everybody really gets into it,” says Ruthie Stewart, event and marketing coordinator for the Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce, the event sponsor.

Cruisers are invited to arrive at 5 p.m. Parking spaces around Diamond Park are claimed by advance registration, but chamber staffers will be on hand to direct those without reservations to available spots on nearby Main and Market streets, Stewart says.

Ligonier Radio will play oldies tunes from 5-6:30 p.m., when Swing City will take over until 9 p.m.

A dance contest is scheduled for 8 p.m. Anyone needing to brush up on their Lindy Hops and Chicken Walks beforehand can join Morgantown Swing, a dance group from Morgantown, W.Va., for a free dance lesson at 7:30 p.m.

New this year, Ligonier Cub Scout groups will set up Pinewood Derby tracks and supply cars for anyone of any age with a need for some miniature speed.

Many local merchants will stay open until 7 p.m., offering summer merchandise clearance sales.

Ligonier Valley Education Trust will host a pie sale, and Ligonier Borough firemen will sell hot dogs.

“All the restaurants in town will be open, too,” Stewart says.

Details: 724-238-4200 or ligonier.com