The 16th annual Drivin’ the Dixie event on Saturday, June 17, marks the 102nd year of Dixie Highway, a major state thoroughfare and one of the nation’s early interstate highways. Drivers will take to Dixie Highway from Blue Island to Momence, stopping in Homewood and Flossmoor along the way.
lot during the 2016 Drivin’ the Dixie event to view
vintage and specialty cars. (Chronicle file photo)
The 16th annual Drivin’ the Dixie event on Saturday, June 17, marks the 102nd year of Dixie Highway, a major state thoroughfare and one of the nation’s early interstate highways.
Drivers will take to Dixie Highway starting in Blue Island and travel the route through Posen, Markham and Hazel Crest on the way to Homewood and Flossmoor. The route continues through Chicago Heights, Steger, Crete, Beecher and Grant Park before concluding in Momence.
The drive originated with vintage cars “but so many modern cars followed we decided to welcome all vehicles,” explained Elaine Egdorf, one of the program’s organizers. The drive is sponsored, in part, by the A’s R Us Model A Ford Club of America.
Cars are expected to arrive in Homewood between 10:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. and park at the St. Joseph Church parking lot, 17951 Dixie Highway.
Stops in Homewood for drivers and visitors include a tour of the historic 1925 Bank of Homewood that now is the boutique hotel La Banque at 2034 Ridge Road.
There are 15 Richard Haas trompe l’oeil murals to see in Homewood and an Illinois state historical marker at Dixie and Hickory Road. Guests can also make a stop at the Farmers Market on Martin Avenue Square.
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From Homewood, drivers will continue on to Flossmoor for a visit to the Flossmoor Family Automotive Repair, 2733 Flossmoor Road, for a look at specialty cars on display; drive through the village to see the public art sculptures; and enjoy a treat at the Flossmoor Station Restaurant and Brewery and Caboose Ice Cream Shop.
Drivers interested in joining the drive along Dixie Highway will get a map to follow to historic sites. Drivers can pre-register by June 10 at www.drivingthedixie.com. Registration is $15 in advance, or $20 the day of the event. Drivers must submit their name, address, vehicle make, model, year, color, tag number and proof of insurance.
For additional information, call 708-798-9535. Registered drivers will get a passport that will be stamped at various stops entitling the driver to enter a drawing at Momence.