Club features 'farm-rods' at cruise-in

Farm Rodders car club will host its first cruise-in on Sunday, July 16, at JT's Barber Shop, 246 S.E. Second Ave. in Hillsboro.

Ford trucks, start your engines.

On Sunday, July 16, Farm Rodders will be hosting its first cruise-in, a car show at JT's Barber Shop, 246 S.E. Second Ave. in Hillsboro — an event that requires no entry fees for guests or those who want to show off their restored vehicles.

Farm Rodders is a car club started two years ago by Ben Schwinof, who serves as the group's president.

"Me and a couple of buddies love old cars, so we decided to start this," he said. "We love fixing up old cars, so we thought we should start a club."

Farm Rodders is now around 178 members strong, and has been growing through word of mouth and social media, where the members have been posting pictures of their cars.

The cruise-in will feature trucks from the 1960s and 1970s, restored nitro cars and more. Most of the entries are cars that people routinely drive, not something kept just for looks. A number of small businesses in the area have sponsored the event, which is largely donation driven. All proceeds will be going to Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland.

Food and beverages — including hot dogs, soda and water — will also be passed out at the event. Guests can even enjoy entertainment from the Forest Grove Outlaws, a country music group. The band's own Matthew Stark and Troi Richards are members of Farm Rodders.

"We're raising money for the kids, and we just want to make sure that we're making a difference in the community," said Richards.

Trophies made out of old car parts will be handed out to category winners, and event-goers will have the chance to win gift cards and merchandise through a raffle.

An estimated 25 cars have signed up so far, but the number is growing, according to Schwinof.

The cruise-in will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is dedicated to Schwinof's brother-in-law, who passed away early last month.