March 13, 2020 was a life changing day for almost everyone. That was the day everything in Illinois shut down due to COVID. The pandemic changed many industries; restaurants, home buying and selling, local businesses, car sales, and entertainment. Whether movie theaters or classic car nights, people had to give up what they loved to do to stay socially distant and safe. Here in McHenry, we love our classic car nights, it is a time when we can gather and show off our favorite hobby.

Classic Car Event

Car enthusiasts love their vintage cars, especially when the owner takes special care of the car to maintain its history and make it collectable. Owners of vintage cars work hard to either preserve or restore the car to the original specifications. These cars are beautiful and the owners love to show off the car.

These cars make up a perfect classic car night event. Though most car events are social, plenty of local businesses will sponsor them. McHenry Outdoor Theater, McHenry Moose Lodge, and Culvers, just to name a few. What makes these car shows popular is that vintage car fans can come out to see cars that they would otherwise not be able to see in person, and the car owners love to show off the cars they have worked so hard to preserve.

COVID Effect

Even though the car events were held outside, when everything shut down, unfortunately, so did the car shows. This not only affected the businesses that sponsored these events but attendees and car owners.

Now that stores and businesses have opened back up, so have classic car events. Everyone is welcome back to these very popular events, with some new protocols in place. The events are held outside; the sponsors ask that people maintain social distance. Make sure to call the venue or business ahead of time to confirm that it was not cancelled.

Mark your calendars for Cruise Night dates coming up in October:

• Huntley Cruise Night at Drendel’s Corner on October 4 and 11 from 4:30pm – 7:30pm.
• Cruise the Moose at McHenry Moose Lodge 691 on October 5 at 5:00pm
• Cruise Night at ShadowView Brewing in Woodstock on October 6, 13 and 20 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm.

Many of these car events take place around one of Gerstad Builders’ communities, so make sure to check them out. They are fun for the whole family, not just car lovers. If you are interested in a Gerstad home, fill out our contact form or give us a call at 815-385-4495. We would be happy to help you find your perfect home.