As the rumble of motorcycle engines reverberates off historic storefronts, and small children wiggle with excitement over life- size hot wheels, motorcycle and car enthusiasts alike gather for a Sunday morning of camaraderie and festivities at a Sunday cruise.

Peabody’s monthly Sunday Cruise isn’t the only car and motorcycle event in the county.

June 9 will mark the 20th annual Route 56 Classic Cruisers car show at Memorial Park in Hillsboro.

This event is free to spectators. Participants can register for $20 from 8 a.m. to noon. The show features an awards ceremony at 3:30 p.m.

Proceeds will go to Marion County Toy Run and food donations to Marion County Food bank. Hamburgers and bratwursts will be offered.

Every third Sunday April through October enthusiasts can travel to downtown Florence for an event sponsored by Advanced Masonic Lodge #114.

The event, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., features a hearty breakfast including biscuits and gravy, sausage, and cooked to order eggs and pancakes with a suggested donation of $8.

Proceeds will benefit maintenance of the lodge building and scholarships.

Peabody’s Sunday cruises, come every fourth Sunday, April through October.

From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., a section of Walnut St. is blocked off and filled with vendors, motorcycles, classic cars, a church service, live music, and laughter as relationships are built, and old friends catch up.

A coordinator of the event, Linda Martinez, says while the

cruise offers something for everybody, most people cite Peabody itself as a reason to keep returning.

“Seventy-five percent of people I talk to say coming to Peabody is there favorite part of the cruise,” she said. “They say it’s small, relaxing, and less stressful.”

Martinez said people appreciate the event’s smaller platform.

“There’s not so many cars and vendors that you can’t get around,” she said.

Travis Foth, another prevalent volunteer, said the experience isn’t the same for each participant.

“It’s different because it’s not just bikes or cars; it’s both,” he said. “You see all walks of life, and it’s so laid back. Some stay 30 minutes and some stay three hours.”

Foth has observed the respect car and bike owners share with one another.

“It’s neat to watch the bike people come and check out the cars, and the car guys check out the bikes,” he said.

A Peabody native, Foth enjoys the various groups that together bring pride to a tight-knit community.

“There’s a lot of community interaction with different school groups and churches participating,” he said.

At September’s cruise, Affordable Street Rods, a local business that is a one-stop shop for street rod parts, service and repair, will show off a new 12,000 square foot showroom and warehouse.