The smell of kettle corn and motor oil mingled in the air as families filled Centennial Park West in Orland Park on Saturday, browsing sunflowers, jars of jam and hand-stitched crafts while classic cars gleamed in the background. Children tugged their parents toward pony rides and a petting zoo, their laughter carrying across the park.
This was all thanks to the Country Market and Rock & Roll Car & Motorcycle Show that brought neighbors together for a festival-style day that mixed farm fun with chrome-polished nostalgia.
Set at 15609 Park Station Blvd., the family-friendly event capped the summer season with fresh food, live music and cars polished to a shine.
Attendees browsed produce stands and handmade goods before gathering for a children’s performance by Miss Jamie’s Farm. Families said the show was a hit.
“My niece didn’t stop singing along,” said Allison White of Palos Hills.
Later, Rockhouse took the stage with guitar riffs and rock covers that had fans clapping along as they lingered over barbecue, pizza and cold drinks.
Among the rows of automobiles, Paul and Wendy Kanehl, of Crestwood, drew attention with their 1986 Cadillac hearse.
“A friend had it up for sale, so we had to jump on it,” Paul Kanehl said. He added the hearse is especially popular at car shows this time of year, with Halloween around the corner.
Nearby, Ted and Barb Trybula, of Palos Park, proudly showcased their 1962 Cadillac El Dorado, a gleaming example of midcentury style that had fellow collectors stopping to admire its details.
HobbyTown set up a remote-controlled racetrack for racing enthusiasts, while families cast votes for People’s Choice trophies at the car and motorcycle show. Awards went to standouts in antique, vintage, classic and muscle categories, along with honors for custom and sport bikes.
