DIXFIELD – An antique car and street rod “Cruise Night” will be held every Thursday night from 5 to 8 p.m. starting July 10 through Labor Day, said Larry Bisbee, director of the Countryfolk Music Theatre in East Dixfield.

It’s a chance for cars owners to get together, talk cars and swap stories, he said.

“This is meant to be a gathering spot for car owners, families and friends of “cool cars”… We built a DJ booth on the edge of the beach volleyball court, so we’ll be dancing in the sand to music from the ’50s and ’60s,” he said. He said it also might include a weekly limbo contest.

The Thursday night cruise will showcase a street rod and antique car each week and have a photo display board and photo album.

He said he’s expecting owners with cars from Oxford, Franklin and Androscoggin counties to participate in the gathering.

“Several folks had asked about doing some ’50s and ’60s music here at the Countryfolk Music Theatre,” he said.

Bisbee said his interest is antique cars goes back to growing up in South Paris and being a member of the Road Runners Hot Rod Club. He was also a disc jockey at WKTJ radio in Farmington for many years.

In addition to the antique cars and street rods, there will be dance and trivia contests, and food provided by Doug Swan, the “Dixfield Dogman,” he said.

Dan St. Cyr of the Western Maine Street Rods of Dixfield has been helpful in getting the word out to that group, as have Jim Ryder and John Worth of the Country Classics Car Club in Farmington.

Bisbee said he also has been handing out fliers at car shows and other cruise nights. Organizing this cruise night has been in the works for several weeks and has had help from volunteers Herb Guppy of East Dixfield and Lloyd and Linda Latham of Jay.

The Countryfolk Music Theatre is on Route 2 in East Dixfield, across from the former Mystic Valley Restaurant and Motel. People are advised to look for a giant black bear playing a guitar.

The Countryfolk theater also holds free “Country Sunday” music jam sessions from noon to 6 p.m. through the summer. In addition, the theater provides a youth music scholarship award annually and offers a venue for new and seasoned musicians and songwriters. Traditional country, bluegrass, gospel, folk and blues are featured on Sundays.

Bisbee may be reached at 645-3705 or on his Web site at www.countryfolkmusic.com. People also can contact the Lathams at 645-4752.

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