PONTIAC - If it runs and rolls, organizers of the new Pontiac Cruise Night event hope it comes to downtown.

Gary Bright, co-chairman of the event, said all kinds of vehicles are welcome - cars, trucks, motorcycles and tractors - to drive in on Saturday and park in downtown Pontiac. The cruise nights also will be on the third Saturdays of August and September.

"Anything with a motor can come," he said. "People like to show off things they are proud of."

About 200 vehicles are expected at the cruise night, which also will feature raffles, door prizes and food.

Vehicles will start arriving at 5 p.m., and the entry fee is $5.

The event's proceeds will benefit different charities each month. The first cruise night will be for the Livingston County Humane Society.

Members of the beneficiary charity will pick the best vehicle in the show.

Lori Fairfield, executive director of Pontiac Redeveloping Our United Downtown, said she hopes the event will bring new people to the downtown area.

"This shows that downtown is active, even on a Saturday night," she said. "Businesses will be open and downtown will be active."

The Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame and Museum also will be open during the event.

Bright, who has worked with a similar event in Morris, said he was approached by several members of the community who wanted to start the event in Pontiac.

Bright said the Morris event has been going on for four years and draws more than 5,000 people and has raised more than $15,000.

Bright said he hopes to see the same success for the Pontiac nights.

"People love to look at old cars," Bright said. "People may be able to see their first car fully restored, or just hear the rumble of a big block muscle car. It should be a great night."

On a roll

What: Pontiac Cruise Night

When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., July 15, Aug. 19 and Sept 16

Where: Downtown Pontiac

Cost: $5 to enter a vehicle; benefits charity of the night

Highlights: 50/50 raffle, food, door prizes, T-shirts

Information: Call (815) 842-1209 or go to www.pontiaccruisenight.com