Lovers of fast Italian sportscars and fine jewelry will gather at James Free Jewelers in Cincinnati, Ohio on Saturday, September 12 for “Ferrari Cruise-In VI.” The annual event is presented in cooperation with the Ferrari Club of America (FCA) - Ohio Chapter. Club members will display Ferrari automobiles in James Free Jewelers’ parking lot, while attendees will examine some of Italy’s finest jewelry by such designers as Roberto Coin, Marco Bicego and more. 

“Cincinnati is Rome’s sister city, named after the legendary Roman soldier Cincinnatus,” said Dave Tellmann, director of marketing for James Free Jewelers. “What better place to celebrate the best of Italy?” “Just like the many extraordinary items Italians produce, the Ferrari automobile is at the pinnacle of design,” said Aric Hersh, president of FCA – Ohio. “Whether coveted for its grace and beauty or the raw power it possesses, generations of drivers consider it to be the best in the automotive world.” 

This year, because of concerns about COVID-19, special safety precautions will be in place, including social distancing, facemasks, hand sanitizer and anti-microbial technology inside the store. 

Recently, James Free Jewelers became the first jewelry retailer in the United States to install Total Air and Surface Purification. This patented technology made by Extreme Microbial Technologies of Centerville, Ohio uses hydrogen peroxide gas to kill over 99% of microbes, including COVID-19, in the air and on surfaces. However, it is nontoxic to humans. 

Valet parking will also be available at the Ferrari Cruise-In. Valet parkers will wear masks and gloves and will wipe down each vehicle’s steering wheel and dashboard with a disinfectant when returning it. 

The Ferrari Cruise-In is scheduled from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (end time is subject to change), but one of the most thrilling aspects will be when the Ferraris begin arriving at about 9:30. 

“There is nothing quite like the roar of a fine-tuned Ferrari engine,” said Michael Karaman, president of James Free Jewelers.” 

Admission to the Cruise-In is free, but raffle tickets will be sold for a half-hour race-like ride in an Aston Martin DB7 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, with a qualified driver, or a one-hour open-road ride in a Ferrari. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit The Arthritis Foundation.

 For the first time, this year’s event will include radio-controlled model car racing for kids and adults, with cool prizes for first, second and third-place winners (including a fine watch for the first-place adult winner). Racing will start at 12:00 p.m. with registration ending at 11:45 a.m. There will be a $5 entry fee to race. Spaces are limited. 

Radio station 92.5 The Fox will broadcast live from the Ferrari Cruise-In and will be giving away prizes. Additionally, James Free Jewelers will offer a 15% discount on in-store jewelry purchases to all attendees during the Ferrari Cruise-In. (Some exclusions apply. See store for details.) 

Ferraris are among the world’s most expensive sportscars, with new ones starting at approximately $200,000 and some vintage models worth much more. In 2017, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO sold for a record $48.4 million. However, Hersh said there is a misconception that only the wealthy own Ferraris. 

“The purchase price of many preowned Ferraris is less than the price of a new Mercedes or Lexus,” he said. “You can buy a nice Ferrari for less than $100,000, which is money for most people, but still a bargain by Ferrari standards. Some used models are even less than that.”

 Hersh bought his first Ferrari 25 years ago and has since owned three more. He currently owns a 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia. It will be on display at the upcoming Cruise-In. 

Membership in the Ferrari Club of America is open to anyone, even non-Ferrari owners, who comprise an estimated 15 percent of membership. Members often participate in social and charity events. 

“Ferraris are beautiful and fast, but ultimately it’s about the people,” Hersh said. “If you are a fan of the Ferrari, you are welcome to join us and take part in our events all over the country. I have met many friends in the Club who I would never have met anywhere else.”

The James Free Jewelers-Ferrari Cruise-In will take place on Saturday, September 12, at James Free Jewelers, 9555 Main Street, Montgomery, Ohio 45242, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Information about the Ferrari Club of America - Ohio chapter is available www.fca-ohio.org. For information about James Free Jewelers, visit www.JamesFree.com or call 513-793-0133.