Antioch car cruise to start June 23

Engines will roar and tail pipes will shine on Main Street in Antioch starting June 23 for the first night of Crusin' Antioch.

The monthly car cruise, which is organized by Antioch resident Mike Babicz, kicks off at 6 p.m. in the parking lot of the Walmart Supercenter at 475 E. Route 173.

The event has no restrictions on the type of car, and anyone with a car is invited to drive in the event. Babicz said he's heard interest from groups in Mundelein, southern Wisconsin, Rockford and from along the North Shore who are excited about the drive.

"The main thing is that people love nostalgia," Mayor Larry Hanson said. "Anytime you can bring the past into the present is cool."

It will be led by a police escort and feature race cars from Wilmot Speedway, said Babicz, who decided to plan the event after learning Waukegan would not host its annual "Scoop the Loop" classic car cruise.

"I remember growing up, 'Scoop the Loop' was the thing to do," Hanson said. "It kind of brings you back to the 50s and 60s - kind of feel when gas was 50 cents a gallon and you didn't have to worry about the pump."

Hanson and Babicz said they hope the event exposes participants to the community and benefits local businesses. The cruise will wind through several business areas and show people what Antioch has to offer, Hanson added.

It will finish in the parking lot of Piggly Wiggly Shopping Center at 460 Orchard St.

"The whole idea is that after the cruise is done and we are at the lot, people can kind of drive around town at will," Babicz said.

No food vendors will participate in the event, in an effort to promote local restaurants, Babicz said. However, a band may be hired for later dates.

The event will be held on the third Wednesday of each month, with the last cruise set for Sept. 22.

Babicz said he hopes the event is a success so it could be expanded to possibly a weekly schedule next year.

There is no entry fee, but drivers are asked to bring a nonperishable food item to donate to the Open Arms Mission food pantry.

"All we gotta do now is hope for good weather," Babicz said.