Bluffton Cars and Coffee returns for ninth year

Craig Kelly, The Lima News, Ohio
·2 min read

May 25—BLUFFTON — It was all about good coffee, nice cars and good conversation at the first Bluffton Cars and Coffee event of the summer Saturday at Masterpiece Signs and Graphics.

Held the fourth Saturday of each month from May through October, Bluffton Cars and Coffee is an opportunity for some easygoing fun and fellowship, according to Masterpiece owner Adam Boutwell, who brought this event to his business nine years ago.

"It started out as a kind of philanthropic marketing," he said. "We love cars, and it was a way for us to give back to the community and bring a little bit of economic success to Bluffton, so we kept doing it."

The free car show at Masterpiece Signs and Graphics, 902 N. Main St., Bluffton, is open to anyone wanting to show off their vehicle, whether it is considered classic or not, Boutwell said. The important thing is to just come out and enjoy the day with other people who enjoy cars and a good cup of coffee, courtesy of Bluffton's own Twisted Whisk Cafe.

"We've had many people asking us about setting up its vendors, food trucks, things like that," Boutwell said. "We've said no. We have an exclusive vendor here locally in Twisted Whisk. They supply the coffee, and we keep it simple. We feel that's the right feel."

The show typically features 80 to 85 cars each month, but Boutwell said it has gone as high as 115. Most are local vehicles from areas such as Lima and Findlay, but some come from greater distances to take part and enjoy the day in Bluffton.

"We get so much positive feedback from the downtown businesses," Boutwell said. "We've got lots of good lunch spots here in town, and you'll see a lot of these cars parked downtown on the street for shopping."

David Carlisle, of Ottawa, has come to the car show multiple times, bringing along his 1978 Fiat Spider 124 convertible. For him, the laid-back atmosphere and the opportunity to catch up with other car aficionados makes this event appealing.

"You say to hi to veterans, and you say hi to your buddies," he said. "It's the only time we really get the chance to get together, and so it's really nice. There's not a bad person here."

Bluffton Cars and Coffee will run from 8 to 11 a.m. the fourth Saturday of each month through October at Masterpiece Signs and Graphics. To learn more about the event, search for Bluffton Cars & Coffee on Facebook.