Summary — SR 245 (Recognition of the 25th Anniversary of Somernites Cruise)
Status: Adopted (by voice vote)
Type: Senate Resolution (ceremonial)
Introduced: March 11, 2025
Sponsors: Multiple primary sponsors (see bill record) — includes Senators Mike Hodges, Chuck Payne, Greg Dolezal, Brian Strickland, Billy Hickman, Bill Cowsert, Bo Hatchett, Drew Echols, Randy Robertson, Matt Brass, Brandon Beach, Max Burns, Timothy Bearden, Carden Summers, John Albers, Chuck Hufstetler, Rick Williams, Jason Anavitarte, Sam Watson, Lee Anderson, Blake Tillery, Ben Watson, John F. Kennedy, Steve Gooch, Kay Kirkpatrick, Lakesia Collins, and others.
Main purpose and intent
SR 245 is a non‑binding, ceremonial resolution recognizing the 25th anniversary of Somernites Cruise, a long‑running monthly car show and community event in Somerset, Kentucky. The resolution honors the event’s cultural and economic contributions to the Somerset community.
Key provisions and findings (as stated in the resolution)
- Recognizes Somernites Cruise as a car show held on the fourth Saturday each month from April through October in Somerset, KY.
- Notes that Somerset was designated the official “Car Cruise Capital of Kentucky” by the General Assembly on March 25, 2010.
- Records event metrics since 2001: 165 events, 151,935 vehicles, and over 1,000,000 attendees.
- States participants have come from five countries and 49 states, with monthly attendees from about 14 states.
- Highlights the August 2022 attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the longest Ford parade with 2,086 show vehicles.
- Mentions participation by historic movie vehicles (e.g., Batmobile, Back to the Future DeLorean, Bullitt Mustang).
- Lists related events created by organizers: Campin’ the Cumberland; Somernites Covered Bridges of Kentucky Cruise; Somernites Jeep & 4x4 Nationals.
- Estimates annual economic impact on Somerset at $12–$15 million, totaling over a quarter of a billion dollars since 2001.
Actions required by the resolution
- The Senate formally recognizes the 25th anniversary and its economic impact.
- Directs the Clerk of the Senate to transmit a copy of the resolution to Senator Rick Girdler.
Who is affected / impact
- Primarily symbolic recognition benefiting Somernites Cruise organizers, volunteers, local businesses, and the Somerset community.
- No change to law, budget, or regulatory authority; no enforceable obligations or funding provisions.
Procedural timeline (selected actions reported)
- Received by Secretary of the Senate: 2025‑03‑11
- Read & adopted / Reported enrolled: 2025‑03‑13
- Senate third read / Passed: 2025‑03‑18
- Introduced/committee/floor actions and final adoption entries appear in March–April 2025; filed with Secretary: 2025‑04‑25.
Note: The bill record contains multiple text versions (including unrelated ceremonial drafts); the resolution’s final language recognizes the Somernites Cruise 25th anniversary.
