Not even the rain stopped folks from pouring into the opening night of the 35th annual Salem Super Cruise.

What once started out as a leisure activity for car enthusiasts quickly turned into a festival-like atmosphere.

"Every year there have been more and more people showing up from out of town, and that's great. It's not just Salem people," said Dennis Plegge, Super Cruise director.

At the same time, it continues to back the folks that have made it a success.

"I've been doing this since 1990-something," said Brian May. He and his wife, Brenda, have been cruising for the better part of three decades. Long enough to remember when the super cruise took them through Canfield and Boardman but believes there is no fit like downtown Salem.

"This brings more people into town in four days than you probably get in an entire year," added May.

Salem Mayor Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey delivered the traditional phrase "Start your engines." She tells 21 News that it's no doubt the biggest event the city hosts each year.

"We really hope that when people come down and enjoy the festival atmosphere, they also go into our shops and into our restaurants and give them some of that business too, because they are the ones who are here every day, all year round, and they do support this festival," she explained.

Organizers anticipate even more people throughout the weekend.

To see a list of upcoming events for the Salem Super Cruise, click here.