The American Legion Glen Maker Post 1160 hosted its 16th annual car show on Sunday, August 10, drawing its largest turnout yet with 125 registered vehicles on display at 106th and Ridgeland Avenue.
The event marked a significant increase in participation, far surpassing previous years that featured just over 30 cars. Trophies were awarded to the best vehicles across multiple decades, starting with pre-1950s models. Additional awards included Best Racecar and Best in Show, with a total of 20 trophies distributed. Judging was based on the appearance and condition of both the exterior and interior of each vehicle.
Michael Kallis, of Hometown, entered the show with his 1971 Camaro SS. “I’ve always had an interest in classic cars ever since I was young,” Kallis said. “In fact, I started out building model cars as a kid.”
Vicki Gibbons, of Chicago, entered her 1957 Cadillac DeVille — a car she had dreamed of owning again for decades.
“I had this exact same car when I was in high school and I searched for years for it,” she said. Gibbons has now owned her dream car for three years.
Former Chicago Ridge Village Trustee Bruce Quintos entered his 1957 Chevy Belair in tropical turquoise.
“This is my absolute favorite color,” said Quintos, of Chicago Ridge. “It brings me back to the iconic 1950s.”
Vickie Hogue, of Merrillville, Indiana, entered her 1992 Chevy to make car shows a family tradition.
“My brother is big on car shows, so I wanted to get a car so we could compete in shows together,” she said.
Members from Honor Flight Chicago attended the event, where the Sons of the American Legion presented them with a $500 check to support their mission of honoring senior veterans with all-expenses-paid trips to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials dedicated to their service.
To accommodate the expanded show, the American Legion received approval to close the street from 108th and Oxford to Ridgeland Avenue. The Village’s Public Works Department secured the area by barricading entrances, and additional vehicles were displayed in the parking lot of Our Lady of the Ridge Church at 10811 Ridgeland Avenue.
Proceeds from the show were designated for veteran support.
All funds raised will be donated to Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital and the Wounded Warriors Project. Hines Hospital provides healthcare and rehabilitation services for veterans across the Chicagoland area, including a nationally recognized Blind Rehabilitation Center. The Wounded Warriors Project offers support services and transition programs for veterans recovering from severe injuries sustained during military service.
Attendees on Sunday were also able to enjoy free coffee and donuts, and music played throughout the day from a DJ booth set up at the event, adding to an atmosphere filled with community pride and a shared appreciation for automotive history.
I missed it
Crest Hill Lions Car show is outstanding with over 150 Cars last year and this year it is 8/31!
Great work. I was a member of Dorman-Dunn Post 547 in chicago, Pilsen neighborhood. I joined after I retired from the military, thinking membership required a lot of time. Once I joined, I noticed shady practices and a lack of transparency, especially in Post finances. Once I stated raising questions, they voted me out… they ostracized me from the Post. I reached out to higher, Division and Department levels for guidance, they have yet to respond. Post 546 is definitely stealing from the Post, and they refuse to price their innocence with an audit.
Congrats! Bruce and Dawn! All others too!
If you head down to Morris on the second Saturday of the month they have a fantastic car show. Between 800 to 1000 cars
A lot of great cars a lot of great people my 3rd show there enjoyed it and got to mention the food yummy!!!