River Run is good for Ottawa’s community

One of be best times of year in Ottawa is quickly approaching.

Ottawa is fortunate enough to have an event every year that brings thousands of people from all over the county to the small town of Ottawa for a weekend event.

This event is the Ol' Marais River Run car show. The show is in the 24th year and is run by the Over The Road Gang car club.

Cars, trucks, unique paint jobs, cars that shoot flames, originals, cars that have been modified, those that have been restored and some that need work, these and more can all be found in Ottawa over the car show weekend.

I can remember going to the car show as a little kid and thinking it was fun, but I had no idea it would turn into the big event that it is today.

Last year the show brought around 1,200 cars to Ottawa, not to mention the number of people that came with those cars and the people who came to see them. The numbers keep growing every year and the show keeps getting better.

The event starts on Friday, Sept. 17 at Forrest Park on North Locust Street. The park is utilized the whole weekend for the show and will be packed with classic cars from 1972 and older.

The show features all styles of cars from classic to muscle and rare models.

The real treasure is the Saturday night ‘60s themed cruise in downtown. The cruise shuts down Main Street to allow the classics to park on the street and participate in the cruise loop that goes from 7th and Main through Forrest Park.

Every year it seems that Main Street becomes more packed with people and classic cars for the cruise night.

It is fun to see the different cars that people consider their pride and joy.

Being around classic cars all my life and having several in our garage growing up, this is my favorite event of the year in Ottawa.

The best part about this unique event is that it is open to everyone and it is free.

So if you have some time Friday or don't have plans Saturday night, visit the car show and cruise night for some free fun, it is definitely something that you will want to come back to next year.