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The cooler weather and sunshine of the weekend proved to be the perfect setting for the third annual Ken Rogers Memorial Crusin’ at Canvas Church in Manchester Saturday, Sept. 7.

Featuring a variety of hot rods, muscle cars, 1950s classics and customs, the event was founded by Jennifer Rogers in memory of her late husband Ken, who died in 2021 of complications of COVID-19 at age 51.

“It wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for all the friends and family and the local businesses that really pitched in this year,” Rogers said.

The event serves as a fundraiser for the Manchester Police Department Angel Tree program. Canned goods were also collected during the event to be donated to The Storehouse Food Pantry in Manchester.

Rogers said she believes the event, which filled the Canvas Church parking lot, continues to get better and better every year.

One car on display was the 1971 Chevrolet Camaro race car owned and raced by Ken Rogers. Purchased during his high school days, the car continued to evolve throughout the years.

“In 2021, if he would have lived until December he would have had it for 35 years,” Rogers said. “He loved the car scene and drag racing.”

Archie Slater of Manchester was on hand during the event with his Rallye Green 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner. Equipped with a 383 engine and four-speed transmission, Slater said the car is identical to one he owned during his college years.

“I wanted another one and I looked and looked for almost 12 years and I finally found this one in New Hampshire,” he said. “I love driving it, it doesn’t have any power (steering or brakes) or any air. You didn’t want it back then you just wanted all muscle.”