BURR RIDGE — It all began with the cars. But the Cruisin’ 66 Fest, which started years ago as a way for car buffs to show off their rides, has grown into a day of fun for everyone.
At the helm of this year’s event, set for 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 11, are Mike Schultz and Burr Ridge attorney Chris Lyons. Lyons is proof positive that you don’t have to be a car enthusiast to enjoy this annual festival by the Willowbrook-Burr Ridge Chamber of Commerce, Burr Ridge Park District and Turtle Wax of Willowbrook.
“My car will be in the parking lot only,” he said of his 1998 Volvo.
But on the grounds of Harvester Park will be all sorts of cars, from vintage vehicles to shiny new prized possessions, such as Downers Grove resident Jim Heidel’s 2001 red Corvette.
“It’s important to me,” said Heidel, who like other car owners enjoys a chance to show it off a little.
Pride is the only required criteria for entry into the show, which will be judged by a car professional. Car owners can register their cars as late as show day for a fee of $15.
Lyons joined the Chamber of Commerce when he moved his law office, Peters and Lyons Ltd., to Burr Ridge five years ago. His job as co-chairman is to make each year’s festival bigger and better than the last.
This year, Adventist Hinsdale Hospital has added a rock climbing wall to the already long list of activities, which includes a jump house, hay wagon rides, live music by The Root Cause, games, food and the police versus fire department softball game.
“There’s a lot of stuff,” Lyons, of Hinsdale, said. “It’s just a great day to be out in the sun.”
In addition to a lot of fun, the annual festival functions as a mini expo. Dozens of Chamber members will offer information and free giveaways at their business booths.
Zazzo’s Pizza, Maxum Bar and Grill, Great American Bagel and Eddie Merlot’s will serve up food throughout the day.
“It’s almost like a mini Taste of Burr Ridge and Willowbrook,” Lyons said.