From the Washington Harbor District Alliance

Classic and antique cars will return to the historic downtown district of Washington as area bands, ranging in genre, hit Main Street for Washington Harbor District Alliance’s third installment of this year’s Music in the Streets.

Families and friends from all over Beaufort County and the surrounding area will take to the streets of Washington’s harbor district and have a chance to hear some of the area’s favorite bands tonight, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

In addition, the Washington Harbor District Alliance is proud to announce that returning to the event will be a display of classic and antique cars, courtesy of three local cars clubs — Coastal Carolina Ford Club, Eastern North Carolina Thunderbird and Classic Ford Club and Down East Rods and Classics Club.

What was once a tradition at Music in the Streets had ceased to exist in recent times and was only happening on special occasions. But recently, as the clubs have amped up their community involvement some members reached out to Washington Harbor District Alliance to get the tradition revived, said Skip McQuiston, a member of all three clubs and vice president of Eastern North Carolina Thunderbird and Classic Ford Club.

“We have had a lot of activity over the years with the ENC Thunderbird and Classics and Coastal Carolina Ford clubs. Both have become pretty active in community events. Some of the membership decided we wanted to step up our participation a little and try to help bring the cars back to Music in the Streets” McQuiston explained.

According to McQuiston, the three clubs will showcase a little bit of everything at the event. Some will bring antique cars like pre-1950s Model A Fords while others will bring what the clubs consider classic cars like those from the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s. There will even be a few car owners that will bring muscle cars from more recent decades.

“It’s hard to say (how many),” McQuiston said. “We’re hoping for 20 or more. I think the public will see a little bit of everything.”

McQuiston said that although the three clubs have partnered to once again display cars at the event, anyone that owns a classic or antique car is welcome to participate. Cars will line Market Street from Rachel K’s Bakery south to Stewart Parkway, according to McQuiston.

The return of the cars to one of Washington’s most popular music events is a match made in heaven, McQuiston said, citing the fact that, for many, cruising in cars and listening to music like rock and roll and other genres is a favorite pastime.

“The classic cars gives people a trip down memory lane, similar to listening to an old song,” McQuiston added.

Although the cars will be a favorite of some, the event is known for showcasing some really dynamic groups which will be heard up and down Main Street. Among the acts slated to participate are rock/pop band K-OS, easy listening/oldies band The Big E, alternative act Sulgrave Acoustic, 60’s music and soft rock from The Guys That Could Make It Tonight and country/southern rock band Blue Soul Redemption.

Attendees will also see exhibits from area nonprofits like the Beaufort County United Way, Iron Order Motorcycle Club, Pamlico Sail and Power Squadron, Little Washington Sailing School, REAL Crisis Intervention, Washington York Rite Masonic Bodies and Animal Encounters, a group that will display an array of reptiles and mammals.

Washington Harbor District Alliance reminds attendees that while the event has many acts and displays to enjoy, the downtown business community will be in full swing, operating under extended hours for residents and guests alike. Grab dinner with family and friends at a local restaurant, check out the area’s fine artworks from local artisans and take in all Washington’s downtown historic district has to offer.