OBSERVER Photo by Damian Sebouhian Roughly 700 vehicles from New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and parts of Canada were put on display during Sunday’s Harbor Cruise festival.

A veritable sea of sparkling metal and chrome rippled and shimmered on the lawn at Point Gratiot Park on Sunday as approximately 700 vehicles were put on display during the annual Harbor Cruise festival.

Nearly every decade — since the automobile’s invention — was represented, featuring a remarkable variety of make and model of anything with a motor and four wheels.

Car owners from all over New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and parts of Canada were on hand with their vehicles, some for sale, some just for show.

Harbor Cruise has been going on for roughly 20 years and is organized by the Lake Shore Street Rod Association with cooperation from the city of Dunkirk.

The event is put on as a benefit for Chautauqua County Veterans and Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels.

“Harbor Cruise has been located at the Point for about five years,” said Ken Doepp, chairman of Lake Shore Street Rod and lead organizer of the event. “It started at the fair grounds, then the Con Club, then the hotel… we outgrew that and now we’re here.”

Doepp thanked the sponsors, vendors, Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas and members of the Streets Department and the Parks Department.

“They help us out a lot to make this event a huge success every year,” Doepp said.

Entertainment was provided by Rocketship7 and DJ Bill Mason.

Mike Porpiglia provided Chicken BBQ.

Major sponsors of the event included: Shults, Resale Center Dunkirk, No Fine Print.

Other sponsors included: Fredonia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram; Hudson Motor Sports; Arkwright Printing; Allegeny-Erie, Inc.; G&E Tents; Tables & Chairs; Golf Carts Unlimited.

Vendors included: La Casa D’Mangia Inc.; Tony’s Concessions; Westfield Main Diner; Rookies on the Lake; Spanish Food; Peggy Sue’s Popcorn; and Charlie’s Curly Fries.