Car show a highlight at Glendale Heights fest

Posted July 08, 2009 11:00 pm

By Amanda Luevano Daily Herald Staff

For Glendale Heights Village President Linda Jackson, organizing the Show & Shine Car Show is not just a labor of love - it's a family affair.

Since 1994, she and her car-enthusiast husband, William, have worked with their sons to put together the showcase. Fifteen years later, the event has become a crowd favorite at the village's annual summer festival.

"We get excited for this every year," she said. "People come from all over and bring a lot of nice cars."

Glendale Heights' 25th annual Summerfest began Wednesday evening at Camera Park, 101 E. Fullerton Ave. The car show will be held Sunday, the festival's final day, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Jackson, who will display her husband's own 1963 Ford at the show, said the village expects anywhere from 175 to 200 participants.

"We have a DJ, raffles, gift bags and trophies for each of the 25 classes," she said.

Though many cars are already preregistered, individuals interested in participating still can sign up at 9 a.m. Sunday for $15. The event is free to the public.

Jackson said she hoped residents would take the opportunity to appreciate the hard work owners have put into their vehicles.

"These cars are their babies, and they really do treat them that way," Jackson said. "It's a lot of work to refurbish them."

This year also marks a special year for Glendale Heights as residents and officials celebrate both 25 years of Summerfest and the village's 50th anniversary.

To commemorate the occasion, organizers Wednesday provided free cake and arranged a balloon launch and fireworks show.

A variety of rock, pop and jazz bands also will be on hand to perform throughout the festival. Hitting the stage tonight are tribute bands The Runaways and The Blooze Brothers.

Carnival rides and games will run every day for children. Wristbands are available from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. today and from 3 to 7 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

Summerfest will close Sunday night with a can't-miss fireworks show, said village public relations manager Gina Thorson.

The display will be put on by Lumina, Inc.'s Joey Castanza, a resident of Glendale Heights. Thorson said Castanza's displays are always extra-special and impressive for his hometown festival.

"We are very excited about the fireworks Sunday," she said. "They should be spectacular."

Thorson said the village has worked hard to make this year's Summerfest affordable, fun and family friendly.

"It's nice to have something like this close by so people can bring their families and not have to pay a lot of money," she said. "We've tried to make it affordable, so I hope everyone comes."

Glendale Heights Summerfest Festival runs through Sunday at Camera Park, 101 E. Fullerton Ave. Hours: 6-11 p.m. today, 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, 3 p.m. to midnight Saturday and 3 p.m.-11 p.m. Sunday. Cost: Free. Info: <a href="http://www.glendaleheights.org" target="new">www.glendaleheights.org</a> TODAY 6-11 p.m. Carnival open 6-11 p.m. Wristband hours 6 p.m. M & R Music 6:30 p.m. The Runaways 8 p.m. The Blooze Brothers FRIDAY 6 p.m.-midnight. Carnival open 6 p.m. M & R Music 7:30 p.m. Raine Nation 9:30 p.m. STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas SATURDAY 3 p.m.-midnight Carnival open 3-7 p.m. Wristband hours 4 p.m. M & R Music 5 p.m. Minus Six 6:30 p.m. Bopology 8 p.m. Infinity SUNDAY 11 a.m-4 p.m. "Show & Shine" Car Show 3 p.m.-11 p.m. Carnival open 3-7 p.m. Wristband hours 2:30 p.m. Live Band Karaoke 4 p.m. M & R Music 5 p.m. South Shore Drill Team 7 p.m. The Meteors 8:30 p.m. 7th Heaven 9:30 p.m. Fireworks 10 p.m. 7th Heaven

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