By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Rain that fell from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Saturday sent a lot of Hillsboro Cruise onlookers and drivers home.

Braving the rain, though, were Hillsboro residents Dan and Donna Dalke, celebrating their 56th anniversary by showing off a shiny, black 1951 Ford custom they bought at an auction in 2019.

Dan said the car was well along on its renovation when they bought it. He didn’t have to do any body work but added brake shoes, cylinders, and a fuel pump to get it drivable.

The couple attends most Hillsboro cruises, which started in 2020 as a way for people to safely gather during COVID-19 restrictions.

Michelle Glahn, who lives on Nighthawk Rd., brought her red 1964 Ford Falcon, which she and her husband and two grandchildren inherited from her father.

They made six or seven drives down Main St. during the two-hour event.

The family has come to more than half of the downtown cruises, she said.

“We come and have fun,” Glahn said.

Cars and pickups ranging from souped-up to in serious need of restoration were driven up and down Main St.

Chamber of Commerce hosted the event, Great Plains Federal Credit Union provided sodas. RE/MAX Associates provided waters. Emprise Bank employees served popcorn.

Hillsboro Lions Club sold snacks.

Sponsors were Emprise Bank, Hillsboro Community Hospital and Clinic, Hillsboro Free Press, Marion County Record / Hillsboro Star-Journal, and TCT/NexTech Wireless.

Phoebe Janzen was photographer.

InDshadow Karaoke of Ramona provided musical entertainment.