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Business & Tech

Classic Cars Cruise Into Town to Support The Oasis

Grayslake's Cruisin' for the Kids succeeds with both car hobbyists and spectators.

From a completely remodeled 1933 Plymouth Coupe to a decked out 2010 Dodge Challenger, there was something for every genre at the fourth annual Cruisin’ for the Kids Car Show in Grayslake on Sunday, Aug. 28.

The show featured 116 different automobiles on display, live entertainment, food, drink and games for the kids, all to raise money for .

Spectators came from near and far to check out the classic cruisers and modern marvels. There was a wide variety of vehicles lining Center Street.

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“There is just so much to check out,” said Colin Bellwoar of Grayslake. He was at the car show to get ideas on different designs for a ride he hopes to restore one day.

“When you see what they started with and what the came out with, they really had the vision to modernize it. It’s just so cool,” Bellwoar said.

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Ken Eckhart and Darian Fedler, both of Round Lake, were looking for different features while walking the show.

“The uniqueness of some of these, and the changes that they have made is what really fascinates me,” said Fedler of the bodies of the cars. “They are just so customized.”

Eckhart was more interested in the changes that were made to the original engines. “I’m impressed with all the modifications; it’s really interesting to me.”

But car buff or not, even the simplest tastes were met. “The kids just love to see the different cars,” said James London of Grayslake who biked to the show with four children in tow.

London said events like this is one of the reasons his family moved to town. “It’s just so family-friendly, and there are always great things going on.”

Cruisin’ for the Kids Car Show has grown significantly in its four years. What began as a car show with 40 entries has multiplied into a large-scale, popular event.

Vince Cutaia of Chicago heard about the show online and brought his 2010 Dodge Challenger to show. For his first time in Grayslake, he said he really enjoyed the town.

“It’s a beautiful downtown area. I had a great lunch at Whitney’s,” Cutaia said.

Organizers say the event is only possible thanks to support from the community.

“We’re so happy the town gives us the ability to do this,” said Steve Loudin, the car show’s chief judge. “The fire department, police department, the mayor, the shops downtown — it’s great they all are so willing to support the kids.”

is for area teenagers older than age 12. It provides a safe place to hang out, offering video games, live music, high-speed wireless Internet, flat-screen TVs and snacks. The Oasis attracts nearly 50 kids each weeknight and up to 200 kids on the weekends.

Cruisin’ for the Kids is one of the many fundraisers for The Oasis, which runs completely on donations.

“As long as we work hard, we can make it work,” said Joyce Campbell, president and founder of the center.

Future fundraising events for include the Downtown Rib Throwdown slated for Sept. 18, and Shooting for the Stars, a clay shooting/gun safety event, scheduled for Oct. 7.

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