The Cantigny Car Show, a favorite event and venue among the region’s enthusiasts, will take place Sunday, September 16, from 9 am to 3 pm. The show is free and open to the public.
Exhibitors at the 7th annual show will compete for more than 90 awards, including Cantigny Choice and Best of Show. Other winners to be chosen will be Best Interior, Best Paint, Best Modified Engine, Lowest Low Rider, Biggest Spoiler and Widest Tire. Awards for youngest and oldest participants will be given, too.
New awards in 2012 are Top 5 Motorcycles and Top 5 Survivors. The latter refers to vintage vehicles with their original parts and paint.
Another debut award is Children’s Choice, giving kids who attend a chance to vote for their favorite car, truck or motorcycle. With this and other attractions, including inflatables for the first time, Cantigny aims to be the most family-friendly car show in Chicagoland.
Most Cantigny Car Show awards are determined by participant voting. One exception is Cantigny Choice, considered the event’s grand prize. The 2011 Cantigny Choice winner was a 1952 Chevrolet pick-up truck, exhibited by Jack Harbaugh of Geneva, IL.
All awards will be presented at 3 pm.
The Cantigny Car Show is a rain or shine event. Food and beverage concessions will be available, along with DJ music provided by Carousel Sound.
For exhibitors, the cost of entry is $12 in advance or $15 day of show. Parking is complimentary for registered exhibitors, and the first 200 arrivals will receive a free limited-edition Cantigny Car Show t-shirt. Check-in begins at 7 am. Registration forms may be downloaded at Cantigny.org.
Spectator parking is $5 per vehicle or $2 before 10 am.
The First Division Museum and Robert R. McCormick Museum will be open on show day from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission to both museums is free. Visitors may also wish to stroll through Cantigny’s colorful gardens or enjoy the spacious picnic grounds.
Cantigny Park is open every day through October from 7 am to dusk. A complete schedule of events is posted online at Cantigny.org. Annual memberships starting at $50 include unlimited free parking and other benefits.
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