It’s not too late to catch a summer car show
Randy Guenin, of Wheeling, likes going to car shows because of the photo opportunities they present. He estimates he has 20,000 photos of cars. He volunteered this list of suburban shows he believes no fan should miss.Barrington car show and more, weekly
6:30 p.m.-dark Thursdays through Sept. 1 in the Harris Bank parking lot on South Cook Street. Free.Locals start bringing in their cars around 5 p.m. to get a good spot. The car show, which changes its theme every week, includes a DJ, trivia contests and more. There are street food vendors and many of the local restaurants are open. Every week, depending on the weather, you can see at least 100 or more cars and trucks. The atmosphere here is among the friendliest in the #146;burbs.
#145;Cool Cars Under the Stars,#146; Elmhurst
7-9 p.m. Wednesdays to Aug. 31 in the City Centre, downtown Elmhurst. Free.A variety of #147;show#148; cars. Parking on Main Street is reserved for the show cars and the main bank parking lot is the feature pen for the cars that fit the weekly theme. The city is very supportive, with police visible and the town businesses staying open to take care of their visitors. A very friendly place to spend a pleasant summer evening.
British Car Fest in Des Plaines, Sept. 11
Sept. 11 at Oakton Community College; entrance is on Golf Road, just east of River and Golf in Des Plaines. Free.
The 25th Annual Chicagoland British Car Festival is a once-a-year event for British car fans. Anything British is welcomed #8212; Rolls-Royce old and new; Crosleys; Morgans; Aston Martins; Sunbeams; Morrises; Triumphs; Jaguars; Lotus; Austin Healeys; and MGs all show up. You can expect to see 500 vehicles at the all-day show. Some food and drink are available.
Geneva Concours d#146; Elegance, Aug. 28
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 28 on Third Street, Geneva. Free.Classic cars park up and down Third Street, plus there are cocktails and dining that can be purchased. A very high class show, leaning toward classics and exotics. The last time I went there were at least nine classic Rolls Royces on display. It is an all-day show so you don#146;t have to rush, and it#146;s held during normal business hours so you can alternate between viewing and shopping.
Lombard Cruise Nite
6-10 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 27 in downtown Lombard, St. Charles Road and Park Avenue. Free.This show is very well organized and you never know what will show up. I saw the Munsters Family Car there one night. Entertainment is provided with local music groups.
#145;Park on Park#146; in Mundelein monthly
6:30-9 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month through September in downtown Mundelein, Park Street and Seymour Avenue. Free.#147;Park on Park#148; is a monthly show limited to pre-1977 cars. It#146;s friendly and rather large, with 240-350 cars each month. A very friendly atmosphere for visitors and car fans, with the local businesses providing support.
Rolling Meadows/Palatine car show
Fridays through Oct. 14 in the former Menard#146;s parking lot, 1775 N. Rand Road. Free.This is the old Rolling Meadows car show that was held Friday nights in the old Dominick#146;s parking lot on Kirchoff Road. It was moved because of the uncertainty over the future of that property and now has found a good home. Usually a good turnout and a friendly crowd. Expect to see 200-300 cars each night. No alcohol; DJ plays music.
Sycamore IL steam show/threshing bee
Aug. 11-14, Taylor Marshall Farm, 27702 Lukins Road, Sycamore. Admission is $6; $3 seniors; free for ages 12 and younger.OK, this isn#146;t a classic car show, but it#146;s worth the drive. In its 54th year, it#146;s a steam tractor show.
Roughly 50 steam tractors are present, as well as a large number of more modern, but still classic, diesel and gas-powered tractors. It#146;s a pleasant shock to see how the world used to run before gas took over. Running on coal, charcoal or just plain wood, the vehicles themselves make a totally unique set of noises.
The show is held on a private farm in a nice shady glade. The people are fun and there is a daily parade of the tractors. Food is available and very good. The show usually has a small flea market and a collection of antique cars.