Thousands Pack McMinnville for 3rd 'Drag the Gut' Cruise Night

Dragging the Gut has been a tradition for over 60 years.

Photo by Crystal Young, Salem-News.com

(MCMINNVILLE, OR) - McMinnville's 'Drag the Gut' - a Cruise Night with few rivals in this nation, was another major success Saturday night.

Thousand of hot rods from every era were on hand to keep throngs of spectators lined up along the sidewalk cheering and shopping in local businesses on this historic city's classic Third Street while bands played and motors revved just enough to keep things exciting.

A surprisingly large number of of the gleaming cars taking part this event's third year, are the same cars that rolled up and down this street long ago, before cruising was banned in McMinnville in the late 80's, and the people are the same too.

As we have revealed in past reports about the revival of this Americana event, there are couples taking part in 'Drag the Gut' now, who met and married due to the connection they made with each other in this very place; and now they're bringing their children to experience a small piece of their history.

Like in past events, the police were out to remind everyone to follow the rules and people seemed more inclined than ever to keep it to loud revs and that sort of thing. It is hard to resist the occasional 'burn out' but participants did as far as we could see, and it is commendable that the people participating in this event go to such effort to keep 'Drag the Gut' fun and safe.

Check back for video and links to other reports

Bonnie King has been with Salem-News.com since August '04, when she became Publisher. Bonnie has served in a number of positions in the broadcast industry; TV Production Manager at KVWB (Las Vegas WB) and Producer/Director for the TV series "Hot Wheels in Las Vegas", posts as TV Promotion Director for KYMA (NBC), and KFBT (Ind.), Asst. Marketing Director (SUPERSHOPPER MAGAZINE), Director/Co-Host (Coast Entertainment Show), Radio Promotion Director (KBCH/KCRF), and Newspapers In Education/Circulation Sales Manager (STATESMAN JOURNAL NEWSPAPER). Bonnie has a depth of understanding that reaches further than just behind the scenes, and that thoroughness is demonstrated in the perseverance to correctly present each story with the wit and wisdom necessary to compel and captivate viewers.

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