It was the first Saturday of autumn in Clearing, and classic cars entered the Hale Park lot to be greeted by the smiles and waves of the Clearing Night Force volunteers in their neon safety vests, all excited for their Cars in the Park. Followed by a modest line of food trucks offering everything from coffee and lemonade to sweet treats, barbecue, and hot dogs.
Inside the parking lot, there were the show cars from ‘71 Chevelles to Mustangs and Oldsmobiles with car guys and gals sitting behind their beauties in lawn chairs and congregating in small circles, catching up like there was no tomorrow. Across the parking lot sat the face painting, raffles, and vendors selling hand-crafted goods, from home decor, custom Cars in the Park tote bags, sweet treats, and Labubus.
The Clearing Night Force, Midway Chamber of Commerce, and all exterior and interior contractors hosted their fifth annual Cars in the Park, meant not only to bring out families, shoppers, and car enthusiasts.
Clearing Night Force President Judy Ollry, who organizes the Cars in the Park each year, reflected on the growth since its conception back in 2020. Starting from a small parking lot at 63rd and Narragansett by the BMO Harris Bank, Cars the Park has grown bigger than previous years. More cars and vendors requires a larger lot at Hale, which has been the location for more than two years now. A bigger lot means more activities and fun for community members to enjoy, like free salsa classes, which were held at noon courtesy of the Midway Chamber of Commerce.
Ollry further mentioned that Cars in the Park functions as the Clearing Night Force’s fundraiser each year, with all proceeds from car and vendor fees going straight into organizing their annual Christmas craft extravaganza in December, collaborating with the Hale Park District.
Residents interested in participating and or going out to the craft extravaganza can look out for a flyer on the Clearing Night Force’s Facebook page or Website in the coming weeks.
Ollry expressed her gratitude for the community organizations and stakeholders supporting Cars in the Park. “We appreciate the community and the support from the promotion and spreading the word. With everything going on, it’s nice to see our neighbors all coming out to spend their morning and afternoon with us. Really, for us it’s about keeping the tradition alive and seeing everyone have fun!”
Mount Greenwood resident and car guy Bryan Spreyene said, “It’s great to come out and spend time within the Clearing community and support a community event. I appreciate the Clearing Night Force, all they do in Clearing, and hosting their annual Cars in the Park. It’s just an enjoyable time. You know, I know a lot of the guys, we all go out to the same car shows, it’s a beautiful day.”
Triple Goodies vendor, a member of the Clearing community, shared how this was her first year as a vendor for the Cars in the Park, but she had frequently visited the car show as a Clearing resident years past. She found it a great opportunity to gain new customers as she currently sells around her block and to the high school students in the area.
Rossi Cole, a Chicago resident, shared how he found out about Cars in the Park from a friend who works at the Hale Park District and thought it’d be a great way to share his small business and gain new clients. Rossi shared in enthusiasm how it was a great day for the Cars in the Park and how there were lots of people coming and going throughout the day.
Overall, it was perfect weather for Cars in the Park, none of the dreaded August heat or quite that fall coldness yet. Many familiar and new faces passed the event, all coming together to see the classic cars, talk with old friends, and do a little shopping.
The Clearing Night Force is a non-profit organization that organizes monthly meetings in conjunction with the CAPS Beat 812, held every second Wednesday of the month at the Clearing Branch public library from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Residents can learn about what’s happening in their neighborhood, from crime to upcoming events. All residents of Beat 812 are encouraged to come out, stay informed, and learn how to get involved because we are only strong together.
Written by Alexis Bocanegra
