Community Corner
Annual Event Features Cars, Entertainment Benefitting Wounded Warriors
Rev up a case of car envy, enjoy neighborhood fare and help a wounded warrior. Not bad for a Friday night.
Just like first love, most men never forget their first car.
As a teenager in the 1960s, Evergreen Park resident Bob Ryan learned how to drive on his older brother’s Ford Mustang--and he’s been hooked ever since.
His attraction for Ford Mustangs was so well-known amongst his circle of friends, they actually found his dream car for him four years ago.
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“A friend of mine put a clipping of a newspaper classified page advertising a Ford Mustang in my mailbox. He meant it as a joke, but my wife and I decided to go see the car anyway,” said Ryan.
With his wife’s blessing, Ryan bought the 1966 cherry red, 200-cylinder Mustang convertible, with matching leather interiors and white convertible soft top.
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Don’t ask Ryan to drive the carpool with this pony car. He saves it for short jaunts with his grandchildren (regulation seat and lap belts were installed for this purpose), cruising around town, and participating in area car shows.
Ryan's car, 66 RYAN, as the car is tagged, is making an appearance at the this Friday at .
“I usually go to a few shows a year, but my favorite is the Evergreen Park car show. There’s something about the neighborhood feel of this show that makes it so enjoyable,” said Ryan, who has attended the Hot Rod and Classic Car Show the past four years.
Sponsored by the , the annual event draws an impressive collection of wheels—from hot rods to monster trucks. Owners can choose to show or compete their car. Trophies—and bragging rights--will be awarded in several categories based on type, stock or modified, as well as decade model. The first 100 cars entered receive a special dashboard placard.
Besides revving up some serious car envy, the event will also showcase a mini-Taste of Evergreen Park, featuring local eateries and vendors, and a night of musical entertainment.
Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Wounded Warriors Project (WWP), according to Mary Keane, Evergreen Park Trustee and the event’s organizer. The WWP is a non-profit organization dedicated to offering wounded soldiers returning tour of duty financial, physical and psychological assistance.
The Evergreen Park Hot Rod and Classic Car Show is a must-do event this weekend. Who knows? You might even spot your first love.
For more information on this event, or details on entering your car, please visit the village website.
