2023 Cruise & Car Show Success

The weather couldn't be more perfect for our 6th Annual Cruise & Car Show including the Last Lap at the Rockford Speedway.  We had a record number of cars turn out for both events.  The popular Burnout Contest at the Speedway brought out 5 contestants, with Frederick Livingston III winning with his 2006 Pontiac GTO.  Fred was ecstatic as he wanted to honor his late father Fred, who died in the Apollo Theater collapse in March.  We also held a parade lap for all the cars to cruise the track together.  

We ended up with a total of 328 vehicles registered, our best year yet. The show opened at Noon with the Rockford Police Color Guard.  We also had the Vietnam War Memorial float that honors all the Winnebago County veterans who perished in the war or succumbed to Agent Orange.  Rockford Fire Extracation team provided us with an amazing demonstration with their "Jaws of Life" tool and other equipment.  They showed us how they would rescue a person who is trapped in a wrecked vehicle, including cutting a hole in a windshield, breaking the other windows, removing doors and even cutting off the roof of a vehicle.  Cruz 24 Hour Towing sponsored this event, including providing the vehicle and cleaning it all up. 

The Muffler Rap was won by Richard Weber in his 1949 Chevy Truck.  Rich revved it so hard, his fan belt came off!  Our Best in Show winner was Keith Hilkin from Dubuque Iowa in his pristine 1955 Lincoln Capri.  It looked like it just rolled off the showroom floor.  Visit our Photo Gallery page to view over 150 photos including a list of all the Best of the Best vehicles.  

We are so grateful for our volunteers including members of Rock Valley Mustang Club, Gentlemen Car Club, and Gear Heads Chuck Young and Dan Gardner.  Without their advice, time and help, our event wouldn't be anything.  Thank you to Stargazer Media and JWK Media for all the photos and video.  You can find the video on JWK's Youtube page or our Facebook event page.  Withour our sponsors, this event wouldn't happen.  Thank you to Rock River Ford, Don Carter Lanes, Rockford Speedway, Cruz 24Hr Towing, ReTool, Woodman's Markets, Forest City Motor Company, Brian Faulk State Farm, and Oak Street Health.  Lastly, we are thankful to all the participants who brought their most treasured possession - their beautiful cars.  This is our one major fundraiser.  We use the funds raised to not only help us exist, but to support our Security Camera initiative, so people feel safe when they visit the Miracle Mile. We are also working on a beautification initiative this year.  A portion of the funds are donated to Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 984.  

Happy Cruising and see you all next year!  Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 25, 2024