On Saturday, June 21, the picturesque streets of downtown Lake Bluff were transformed into a classic car show from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Lake Bluff History Museum Auto Show has been held in downtown Lake Bluff for over 10 years, this year showcasing over 150 classic cars.
“The Auto Show is a program that allows us to promote the history of our village, a way to celebrate and show off the beauty of our town,” Kathleen O’Hara, president of the Lake Bluff History Museum, said.
Show Chair, Mark Dewart, said the first auto show featured a 1930s ice truck acquired by the Museum as a way to raise funds for its restoration, and since then has grown into an annual summer event.
The show features vintage and antique cars from the early 1900s to the 1980s, Corvettes, Mustangs, Cobras and Birds, Packards, Woodies, Jaguars, Rolls, GTOs, Chevys, Buicks, hot rods, Lincolns, and more.
Dewart says this car show, unlike a typical car show, is not held in a parking lot.
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“Our historic downtown provides a lovely setting, walkable and family friendly, with food, beverages, and shopping, all within easy reach, making it a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere,” Dewart said.
The event is free, and there is no charge to register a car, with free parking available at the Lake Bluff Train Station.
“Our focus with the Auto Show is to have fun while building community, and the success of the event really rests on the efforts of our museum board and volunteers,” Dewart said.
According to Dewart, the Lake Bluff History Museum has developed quite a network of area participants over the years — car collectors and enthusiasts along with a handful of people affiliated with the museum.
Elliot Rubin of Northbrook participated in Saturday’s Auto Show and says he has been driving his Cadillac Eldorado Convertible since 1973.
“Driving was different then, I was just a kid, but the car is still a big part of my life,” Rubin said.
John Schwaiger of Palatine showed his 1968 Jaguar E-Type on Saturday and says there is a certain status to owning a classic car.
“It’s rewarding to me when others appreciate the car and care that goes into keeping it looking beautiful,” Schwaiger said.
Dewart says, people come to the car show because they may be attracted to the car designs, the people watching, or even the lifestyles that the automobiles promote.
“In the end, the Lake Bluff History Museum Auto Show is really about community spirit,” Dewart said.
Gina Grillo is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.