Sep 15, 2025 By Garrett Neese 3 min read

WAYNESBURG – Much like rock ‘n roll, the 50s Fest & Car Cruise is here to stay.

Now in its 24th year, the annual festival brought classic cars and timeless tunes to downtown Waynesburg Saturday.

It’s put on each year by the non-profit Waynesburg Prosperous & Beautiful, funded through the federal Main Street program to revitalize the downtown.

With the funding dwindling, the festival had been in danger of dying out, said 50s Fest chair Danielle Nyland. Thankfully, the owner of Waynesburg embroidery shop Embroid’Em has stepped up to lead the effort next year, Nyland said.

“I wouldn’t want it to end,” she said. “This is our 24th one, so I’m really glad we were able to get someone to take over for it.”

This year’s festival saw 110 classic cars register for the festival. That doesn’t count the classic motorcycles and other cars that showed up on the day, Nyland said.

It’s become a popular stop for car aficionados, including one who drives 400 miles from Kentucky every year, Nyland said.

Every year brings an eclectic mix — mini-cars to long dragsters, spotless cars and those still being restored. The drivers are drawn by the relaxed atmosphere, Nyland said.

“Instead of a car show, where you have trophies and awards and stuff, it’s more of a hangout,” Nyland said. “Everybody comes, brings their cars, hangs out and has a good time.”

Along with the hot rods on the street, the atmosphere was helped along by people in ’50s clothes and the selection of cruising classics spun by WANB DJ Doug Wilson, who’s been playing the platters that matter all 24 years.

The Garcia family of Masontown — Nick and Teri, and eventually their children Lexi and Lucas — has also been coming to the festival since it began.

Lexi and Lucas dressed in vintage styles. Nick and Teri wore t-shirts celebrating the festival, their family, and Teri’s 1967 Ford Mustang, which her dad bought for her when she was in high school.

“I just like the atmosphere,” Nick said. “People dressing up, and the ’50s hairstyles. It’s a good time.”

“We don’t go to too many anymore, but this one, you can’t miss,” Teri said. “It’s our favorite. It’s just something special.”

The Mustang caught the eye of Dave Schweikart and his daughter Kaylin Schweikart, 9, of Rices Landing.

The festival is an annual “daddy-daughter thing” for them, Dave said.

“We like the cars and the food and the music, and the dance contest – just everything,” he said.

Kaylin agreed. And as Wilson announced the start of the twisting contest, Kaylin ran up to join the crowd of poodle skirts and Brylcreemed hair.