Car show highlights Warrenville's Summer Daze
The collection of classic American cars that converge on downtown Warrenville during the city's annual Summer Daze festival sometimes packs some surprises.
One year there was a street rod from the 1930s modified so it had a '50s feel to it, said Steve Bachorski, president of Countryside Customs, the Warrenville body shop that organizes the show.
Another time, a gear head drove up in an English taxi featuring the right-side steering wheel, he said.
“Occasionally, something exotic will stop in. We got a Lamborghini. That got a lot of attention,” he said.
Typically, he said, the show draws 100 to 150 vehicles, including restored classics, street machines, muscle and pony cars, modified late model cars and motorcycles.
The car show starts at 10 a.m. Saturday and winds up around 3:30 p.m. with an awards ceremony.
This year's festival is the 38th Annual Summer Daze, said Karey Ross, Warrenville Park District marketing supervisor. The event is a joint presentation by the park district, the city and the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce.
“It's a traditional family event,” Ross said. “People in Warrenville like to come out and celebrate summer.”
There's no admission charge for the festival, where visitors will find food, music, games, contests, rides and the car show at the corner of Butterfield and Batavia roads.
“It's a great event,” said David Sabanthe, president and CEO of the Western DuPage chamber. The chamber handles the details regarding the business booths at the festival, he said.
Sabanthe said half the proceeds from a 50-50 raffle held at the festival are donated to Warrenville In Bloom, a beautification and education program that involves both businesses and homeowners across the city.
New this year, Ross said, is the addition of carnival rides. Rides open at 5 p.m. Friday when food booths and the beverage tent open. Business booths open at 6 p.m.
The music lineup for Friday begins with Just South of Heaven, a folk country band, performing from 5:30 to 7 p.m., followed by Centerfold, a classic rock band, from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Headliners American English, a Beatles tribute band, will play from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m., Ross said.
On Saturday, Summer Daze begins at noon and closes at 11:30 p.m.
Saturday's entertainment begins with a Battle of the Bands from 1 to 3 p.m.
From 3:15 to 4 p.m., it's amateur talent's turn to take the stage to compete in the Warrenville's Got Talent contest, a new Summer Daze event.
The Associates will perform Motown hits from 5:30 to 7 p.m., followed by country band Mason Rivers from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
The festival wraps up with a performance by Infinity, a Journey tribute band.
If you go
What: Warrenville Summer Daze
When: 4:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Butterfield and Batavia roads, Warrenville
Cost: Free
Info: www.warrenvilleparks.org and www.westerndupagechamber.com