See Dale Earnhardt's car at fall fest car show

For organizer Bryant Haniszewski, Huntley's Fall Fest Car Show combines two passions of his life: classic cars and working to help others.

"Last year we got rained out," he says. "This time we're expecting about 300 (cars), if the weather cooperates."

Registration for the "classic car" competition opens at 7 a.m. Saturday on the east side of Deicke Park, with a $10 entry fee and free goody bags for the first 100 exhibitors. The car show runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free to the public with any paid fest admission.

"We show anything that's 1981 and older," said Haniszewski, who has run the show for the past four years. "The categories run from antiques to hot rods, or even race cars. We've had people come in from Wisconsin and Chicago, (with) lots of really nice cars."

New this year are two professional NASCAR cars - Dale Earnhardt, Sr.'s iconic black "#3", and an M & M-sponsored simulator that allows visitors to experience the thrill of a NASCAR race.

"Anyone can drive it," Haniszewski said. "It's not often that you can get behind the wheel of a real race car like this."

The Earnhardt car is expected to draw crowds of fans, he added.

"I think people will be really excited to see that."

Both NASCAR cars will remain on display until the park closes at 5 p.m.

The event also includes D.J. entertainment, door prizes, and raffles, but that's just part of the story. All profits from the show will benefit charities and nonprofit organizations, Haniszewski said. Entry fees will be donated to the Huntley Park District Foundation, and a charity "panel auction" of decorated metal panels done by professional pinstripe's will benefit Chicago's Ronald McDonald House. Car show visitors can also donate used pop-tops to help McDonald House charities.

"We'll also have a 50/50 raffle to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation," said Haniszewski, a South Barrington police officer whose 4-year-old daughter has battled brain cancer for most of her life. "That's why I'm doing this," he says. "Tegan is doing fine now. She just had her latest MRI and everything looks clear."

The 50/50 raffle and panel auction will be held at 2 p.m., just before the awarding of show trophies for winners in each of 12 categories. Judging will be done by JB Specialized Auto of South Barrington.

For more information, visit www. huntleycarshow.com.