Classic, antique cars draw hundreds to downtown Geneva

Kane County CHronicle: Classic, antique cars draw hundreds to downtown Geneva
GENEVA – Holding the hand of his 3-year-old son, Cameron, Geneva resident Dave Ziegler on Sunday pointed to antique and classic cars parked along Third Street, alerting the boy to features not seen on automobiles today, such as white tires on a 1910 Ford Canadian Model T.

The father-and-son duo were among the hundreds of pedestrians in Geneva's downtown shopping district for the seventh annual Geneva Concours d'Elegance, a car show featuring 170 antique, classic and modern automobiles. Its proceeds this year benefit the LivingWell Cancer Resource Center.

Director Patt Barrett described the turnout as terrific, attributing the large crowds to the free admission and family-friendly environment.

Plus, she said, "Everybody loves a car."

Most cars on display were invited to the event whereas the others underwent a nomination process to be included, Barrett said. In a contest of elegance, the vehicles were evaluated Sunday on their cleanliness, engine components and underbelly as judges determined which cars deserved one of the 45 Benz trophies.

Many attendees carried cameras, taking pictures of Ferraris, racing cars, 1950s Buicks, 1930s Chryslers and, among other vehicles, 1920s Rolls-Royces.

"This is one of the premier concours in the country," Chicago resident Wally Wright said between taking photographs.

He complimented the event on its depth and variety. Because the entries change every year, Wright said, he knew what he would see Sunday wouldn't be what he saw in previous year.

Participants John Petras of Lincolnshire and Butch and Mary Lee Rosland of Itasca also gave Geneva Concours d'Elegance high marks. Petras, a self-described die-hard car show participant, said he entered his 1956 Ford Victoria into the Geneva event after hearing praise about it from friends. It lived up to the hype, he said, noting the organizers were helpful and courteous.

Mary Lee Rosland chimed in, commenting that people also dressed appropriately and were respectful of the vehicles.

"This is one of the nicest car shows outside Pebble Beach [Concours d'Elegance]," she said. "This is really the next best thing."