Drivin' the Dixie is Around the Corner

Get ready to start your engines, because, from Blue Island to Momence, the 11th annual Drivin’ the Dixie celebration and event kicks off this Saturday, June 16.

Those who participate can expect a leisurely, day-long drive along historic Dixie Highway, with planned stops at shops, landmarks and restaurants along the way. All participating are welcome to travel at their own pace and enjoy themselves along the way.

Registration is $20 per car.

Here’s a list of the day’s events: 

Blue Island (from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.)

• Vehicle registry at Union Street and Western Avenue (registered vehicles will receive tour guide, map, passports and Dixie Highway windshield sticker)
• Coffee and rolls
• Shops and historic places

Posen

• Blessing of the cars at Memorial Park, 2502 W 143rd St.

Markham

• Vendors and mini car show at the Markham Roller Rink, 16630 Dixie Highway

Hazel Crest

• Hazel Crest’s 100th anniversary celebration at fire station at 16970 Dixie Highway

• Homewood Farmers Market
• Tour of Richard Haas’ Trompe l’oeil murals
• Historical marker stop and Drivin’ the Dixie memorabilia available

• Sculpture tour
• Flossmoor Family Automotive Repair car display
• Restaurants and treats

• Stop at historic Bloom High School
• Historic “Crossroads of America” and other historical markers
• (from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.)

Steger

• Free hot dog lunch for registered participants and entertainment at Veteran’s Memorial Park

Crete

• Mural tour
• Historic markers and sites, including 80-year-old Balmoral Park Racetrack

Beecher

• Garage sales
• Train depot museum
• Civil War to WWII historical display
• Food sold

Grant Park

• Garage sales
• Ice cream sales

Momence

• Assortment of musical entertainment for adults and kids alike
• Petting zoo and pony rides
• Historic sites
• Vintage car show
• Turtle races
• Raffle drawing at Island Park Bandstand (for registered participants, only)