A new season of Park Ridge car shows debuted last week, drawing crowds of car enthusiasts to Uptown.
Close to 200 antique, unique and muscle cars were displayed during the first Cruisin’ Park Ridge of 2019 on Friday night, said organizer Marko Ratic.
“It was one of our busiest shows,” Ratic acknowledged, suggesting that good weather and the event’s growing popularity helped to draw a large number of participants.
Hosted by the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce, Cruisin’ Park Ridge debuted in September 2011. What began as a small show to promote an initiative encouraging Uptown businesses to stay open longer on Fridays has grown to feature live bands, beer and wine sales, and children’s entertainment — in addition to the cars on display.
“It started out small, but over the years it got more popular as the community rallied behind it and now we have a successful show because of that,” Ratic said.
Additional Cruisin’ Park Ridge nights are planned for July 5, Aug. 2 and Sept. 6. Each show will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. in the city’s Central Parking Lot at 20 S. Prospect Ave. and along Summit Avenue between Prospect and Touhy.
Anyone interested in exhibiting a car can register at by visiting www.parkridgechamber.org/calendar or by contacting the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce at 847-825-3121.
jjohnson@chicagotribune.com
Twitter: @Jen_Tribune4