Classic Cars Shine at Cruise Night

First United Methodist Church Cruise Night Returns with Classic Cars, Community and a Young Corvette Enthusiast

After last year's event was rained out, beautiful summer weather made this year's Cruise Night at First United Methodist Church in Oak Lawn especially memorable.

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A Community Cruise Night was hosted by the First United Methodist Church in Oak Lawn on July 30, 2026, from 4 to 8 p.m., welcoming car enthusiasts and families from throughout the area.

Car lovers of all ages spent the evening exploring a diverse collection of more than 50 vehicles on display. The lineup featured everything from eye-catching Corvettes and powerful muscle cars to vintage classics, Mustangs, pickup trucks, and beautifully restored automobiles. Guests were also invited to cast their ballots for their favorite vehicle, with the People's Choice Award announced before the close of the event. It was a perfect summer evening, offering a delightful array of sights for every car enthusiast to enjoy.

One of the featured groups was the Windy City Corvettes Club, whose members proudly displayed an outstanding lineup of America's iconic sports car. Among the polished Corvettes, one owner stood out—not because of the age of his car, but because of his own.

At just 16 years old, Steve Schaefer is one of the youngest members of the Windy City Corvettes Club and one of the youngest Corvette owners around. His Quasar Blue 1990 Chevrolet Corvette, affectionately named "Iris," has already become a familiar sight at area car shows.

Steve's journey to Corvette ownership is a story of determination, patience, and hard work.

"I have always loved Corvettes," Steve said.

Over the past several summers, Steve worked alongside his father at the family business, carefully saving every dollar he earned. His parents encouraged his dedication by promising to match his savings when it came time to buy his first car.

The search for the perfect car wasn't easy. Steve and his father spent months searching online and traveling to inspect vehicles. They made two trips to Wisconsin to look at a Trans Am and later a Camaro, but neither purchase worked out. They even considered a 40th Anniversary Corvette that ultimately proved to be out of reach. On three separate occasions, cars they planned to see were sold just before they arrived.

After months of disappointment, Steve and his family even discussed buying a winter car first and postponing the Corvette dream until the following year.

Then fate stepped in.

Late one evening, around 11:30 p.m., Steve's father noticed a small online listing for a Quasar Blue 1990 Corvette at a dealership in Kankakee. The next morning he called immediately, only to learn that other buyers already had appointments scheduled later that day. Determined not to lose another opportunity, Steve's father signed him out of school, and the two headed to Kankakee first thing that morning.

"When we pulled into the dealership," Steve recalled, "I saw the most beautiful blue Corvette sitting on the lot."

The Corvette cost slightly more than Steve had saved—even with his parents' matching contribution—but after recently beginning a job at the local library, he agreed to make payments on the remaining balance.

One month before earning his driver's license, Steve officially became the proud owner of his dream car.

His Corvette adventure got off to an incredible start. That very weekend, Steve entered "Iris" in a Corvette show and won his first award—a plaque recognizing his beautiful car. Even more meaningful, he met members of the Windy City Corvettes Club.

"From the first moment I stepped out of my car at the show, they made me feel like I was part of their family," Steve said.

The club soon invited him to become one of its youngest members.

Since then, Steve and "Iris" have continued collecting awards, including People's Choice and Dealer's Choice honors. He has also participated in club cruises, including a recent caravan to Lake Geneva for a large All-Chevy Show.

"It has been a blast with everything that has happened so far and meeting all the awesome people along the way," Steve said.

Steve's story was one of the highlights of this year's First United Methodist Church Cruise Night. While the event showcased remarkable automobiles spanning generations, it also celebrated something even more meaningful—the friendships, family traditions, and dreams that continue to drive the collector car hobby forward.

For visitors, seeing a 16-year-old proudly standing beside the Corvette he worked so hard to earn was a reminder that the passion for classic cars continues to inspire a new generation of enthusiasts.