Motorists in downtown Guthrie Center were leaning on their horns Saturday night, not out of agitation or caution, but rather in fellowship for an impromptu celebration.

Following the lead of communities nearby and nationwide, Guthrie Center Fire Chief Dave Embleton and other community members thought it would be fun to hold a “Scoop the Loop” event, to encourage residents to bond together in their vehicles while COVID-19 has forced the shut down of gatherings of more than 10 people. A social media post was made Saturday to promote the event, and a countless number of vehicles responded to the call.

Embleton rolled down his window to share his reaction, “I just couldn’t believe it, I expected a few people to show up obviously but nothing like this. I’m definitely overwhelmed with it, it’s awesome.”

As events like scooping the loop and teacher parades have become popular methods for communities to connect while people are self-isolating at home, some have argued the health risks these gatherings pose to containing the spread of the respiratory virus. Embleton says he has considered the health risks himself, “Most people are staying within their vehicles and they’re practicing the social distancing, so I feel it’s working out okay. It gets everybody out of the house, is the thing, and it’s just kind of a little break of the monotony.”

Guthrie Center’s Scoop the Loop began at 7:30 p.m. at Mitchell Park and lasted well into dusk with the procession driving east and west on State Street. Embleton adds this may become a weekly occurrence as the state public health emergency carries on. For photos from the event, visit Raccoon Valley Radio’s Facebook page.