NOTE: “Today” and “tonight” refer to Friday, July 10.

PORT ANGELES — It’s the best and biggest car show on the North Olympic Peninsula, says Howie Ruddell of the annual Ruddell Cruise-In.

Some 400 spiffy pre-1974 classic custom cars and hot rods will be displayed on the 5 acres of the Ruddell Auto Mall, 110 S. Golf Course Road, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. today during the 19th annual show.

Live music, a dunk tank and food are also part of the free Cruise-In, which is part car show and part community block party.

To the rock ‘n’ roll of The Fabulous Cyclones, visitors can look over the cars and munch hot dogs and hamburgers offered “at a nominal charge” by the Knights of Columbus.

“With the weather being what it is, we would expect a record turnout — 3,500 to 4,000 people,” said Ruddell, owner and general manager of the dealership.

Those who want to show off their classic wheels should arrive at 3 p.m. to park “since we’re expecting a full house,” he said.

“If somebody who lives here locally has a hot rod, they can bring it in.

“All you need to do is show up. Bring your car, come on in and you can register here.”

Cars from all over

The Cruise-In draws show cars from around the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia and elsewhere.

One of the awards given car owners is for the car that traveled the longest distance to get to the show.

“We’ve had people come from the Dakotas before who have won that,” Ruddell said.

Other awards will be People’s Choice and Best of Show.

The cars are unique, Ruddell said.

“We expect cars from 10 different clubs, and when you have that many clubs coming from that many areas, we do see some very special, very unique cars,” he said.

“It’s the best and biggest car show on the Peninsula,” he added.

Port Angeles volunteer firefighters will staff and operate a dunk tank, collecting donations to help them buy supplemental equipment that is not funded in their budget, Ruddell said.

Boy Scout Troop 1460 will sell bottled water at the south entrance of the Hyundai dealer’s lot and will have a car wash in front of the Hyundai building Saturday.

The Scouts are raising money for their High Adventures camping program.

‘Works of art’

The host club is the Old Timers Northwest Car Club of Bremerton, whose members create “highly modified” cars that are “rolling works of art,” Ruddell said.

“They took a great thing and made it even better,” he added.

The Cruise-In is only part of a weekend of touring for the Old Timers club.

Those who want to participate in the Old Timers’ Saturday activities can register at the auto mall today.

The Cruise-In is run by some 50 to 60 people, counting volunteers, Ruddell said.

“We basically shut the store down for a day,” he said.

“It’s a great community event. It’s become a tradition.

“Everyone who works at our dealership has a passion for two things: people and cars.

“It’s a way to combine both of them, a way to showcase their love of Port Angeles.”