Old, new taxis to be displayed at village expo
In days past, hailing a taxi was one way to cop a ride. The other was to mosey to that corner contraption -- the now-extinct phone box -- and dial 303 to reach the local taxi dispatcher.
The call box, the predecessor to the pay phone, according to Kurt Lester, was the instrument customers used to dial taxi service.
Lester, director of sales for 303 Taxi/Flash Cab, is fascinated by 303's history. On behalf of the upcoming "Business Under the Big Top," Lester will display a 1957 Chevy taxi and one of the company's newer models, either a Lincoln or a van.
The "Business Under the Big Top" expo, sponsored by the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce, will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 8 under a huge tent at Barrington Square Shopping Center, 3250 Higgins Road.
Lester thinks the '57 Chevy with an old fashioned meter is a beauty.
"The Chevy is rebuilt by one of our owners," Lester said. "It's OK for folks to sit in the taxi to see what it was like in the past."
The spokesman says his company's cars sport a horizontal turquoise stripe through its midsection.
Dan Quiery of American Taxi said his firm will display what he refers to as "environmentally-friendly" vehicles at the fair.
A new touch for the expo this year is "Touch a Truck," a display featuring not only taxis, but also an oversized village snow plow and other interesting vehicles, including a hearse from Ahlgrim and Sons Ltd.
Chamber Executive Director Jill Blodgett likes creative ideas.
"Many times we see vehicles go by, but there is no opportunity to touch them or see them up close," Blodgett said. "This year we afford that opportunity for adults who are fascinated by a 'hands on' exhibit and for youngsters who always favor something new."
Chamber past president Tony Saviano of Realty Executives Experts again will sponsor the Antique, Classic, Custom and Muscle Car Show and award the People's Choice and Participant Choice trophies. There is no admission fee to enter an antique car.
Space under the big top is still available but filling quickly. Local businesses that want to promote their goods or services may call Blodgett at (847) 781-9100. Several sponsorship opportunities also are waiting.
Besides Saviano's sponsorship, others so far are Citibank and the Building and Fire Code Academy, Alexian Brothers Hospital Network, Hoffman Estates Community Bank, St. Alexius Medical Center, AT&T, Harris Bank, Aquarium Adventure and Sand Art Creations.
Lester, who intends to be available for questions and comments on fair day, didn't say whether there would be any old-time phone boxes available to dial 303.