The parking lot at DQ Grill & Chill, 200 N. Sawyer Road, Morrison, IL, was transported into the past for two sultry hours, on Thursday, July 22, 2010. From 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., 31 classic and muscle cars, street rods, and trucks were arrayed to admire. Lou Pingitore, of Mt. Carroll, IL, showed the only motorcycle: a dynamic, three-wheel, Boom. Other participants came from Sterling, Rock Falls, Morrison, Erie, Dixon, and Geneseo, IL. Music wafted across the parking lot, adding to the retro experience, with room for spontaneous dancing. Some owners sat in chairs near their collectible vehicles, ready to chat about the restoration project.
Richard and Bernadette Taets, of Sterling, attend 30 to 35 car shows a year, driving a sleek, white 1960 Chevrolet Impala. Driving there, in their vintage vehicle, is the joy of the experience, stated Taets. Passersby always give a look at his beautiful car. He never trailers his car to shows. Taets began the restoration in September 1998. Lots of steel, sparkling chrome, and wide, white-wall tires embellished this popular Chevy model. Red, fuzzy dice dangled from the rear-view mirror and matched both the bi-color upholstery and Bernadette’s ensemble.
Beside the Impala sat a black and white, 1957 Chevrolet station wagon. It seemed a mismatch of elegant style and utilitarianism.
Ron Weimer, shown at right, has organized Morrison car shows for 13 years. He and son Todd once operated a baseball card store in the current Chamber of Commerce building. People suggested the idea of having a car show, and Weimer made it happen. There were four small “Cruise-Ins” and a larger show scheduled from May to September 2010. There is no entry fee; Weimer stated, “In 13 years, I’ve never charged anybody a single dime to be in our show.”
A 50-50 drawing is held at each event to add interest for visitors and pay for show publicity expenses. Tickets sell for $1 apiece or $5 for “an arm length,” Weimer explained. On this day, a jubilant young girl won $54.
Weimer is aided by long-time friend, Steve Siefken, who photographs the shows; Sam Gonzales and Carolyn Bush help with registration and trophy distribution. DQ Grill & Chill owners Bart and Ellen Smith happily host the Cruise-Ins; they donated a yummy treat to all entrants. Plenty of customers enjoyed the dinner- or dessert-show.
The next Cruise-In is Thursday, August 26, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the same location.
The final and larger car show is Sunday, September 12, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., also at DQ Grill & Chill. There will be larger trophies awarded and, likely, a larger 50-50 drawing to enter. Weimer and crew will be in place to offer up-close glimpses of past road wonders. “This is my town; I won’t ever leave Morrison,” he stated.