Visitors admire the vintage and contemporary vehicles parked in the St. Joseph Parish parking lot during the 2017 Drivin' the Dixie event. The Homewood stop this year will be at St. Paul Community Church. (Chronicle file photo) An event locals have known as something special for the past 17 years is being recognized throughout the state this year. As Illinois celebrates its 200th birthday, Drivin’ the Dixie has been named an official Illinois Bicentennial event . . .