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Drivin' the Dixie on June 20 will carry on the tradition  Share
This year, ''Drivin' the Dixie'' takes place on June 20 (always the third Saturday in June). Political figures have helped kick off ''Drivin' the Dixie'' in the past, but this time it is being promoted as a family-friendly day, during which there are no scheduled stops or big rush to leave on time. Drivers will arrive at approximately 11 a.m. at the Municipal parking lot by Kmart in Steger and stop for a free chips, pop and hot dogs grilled and served by members of the Steger Area Chamber of Commerce. While there, participants will hear the announcement of the new Miss Peanut by Village President Lou Sherman and have the opportunity to spend some time at a farmers market. After leaving Steger, next on the agenda is Crete with cars arriving at their leisure. Some of the points of interest for them to visit are: the Mural across from the library, the Farmer's Daughter at 1262 Lincoln Street and all of the Sears homes that were built in the early 1900's. Three Crete businesses donated items for the raffle that will take place in Momence. They are Ignorant Bliss and Crete Country Mart Food & Liquor and Matt's Printing. Drivers receive a raffle ticket for each time their passport is stamped. Beecher is the next stop on the passport for drivers to visit. There will be a street dance near the corner of Penfield and Reed Streets.
At the end of the trip, participants will be greeted at Island Park, on an island in the Kankakee River at Momence, by food vendors and entertainment. In June of 2002, the A's R Us Model A Ford Car Club of America organized a road rally it named the ''Dixie Dash'' to promote the history of the area using the historic Dixie highway. A rally is a timed competition following directions. The historical societies and communities organized events to draw not only participants but spectators also along the route to give special attention to the history of Hubbard's Trail and Dixie Highway. Approximately 40 vintage cars built before 1972 participated in that first rally. Because of the event's popularity, many people wanted to participate who didn't own antique cars, so they proposed to redesign the event and open it up to all cars; Antique cars were encouraged but not required. The event became Drivin' the Dixie in 2004, a moving car show and tour from Blue Island to Momence. A passport was created, listing events in towns along the route. Participants have the passport stamped at specified historic sites or points of interest. For each stamp on their passport, participants received a free raffle ticket in Momence. Approximately 80 cars participated in the second event and almost all were vintage cars. The event grew when towns south of Danville were invited to drive north to meet at the Island Park in Momence. Again, because of the popularity, participants were requested to register to help plan for the next year. A small fee was established. Last year, approximately 200 cars participated with about 130 cars leaving Blue Island. Counting people attending events in various Dixie towns and watching the cars pass on Dixie Highway, thousands witnessed the tour and celebrations. A couple from Austria shipped their motorcycles from Europe to ride the route from north to south and back. Not all of the downstate cars drove the distance north, but many participated in events along the way. Rossville reported drawing visitors by the hundreds to their Dixie Days. The efforts have resulted in a growing awareness of local and Illinois history. An Illinois State Historical marker for Hubbard's Trail was restored and rededicated in Momence. New historical societies have started. An ''Illinois Main Street'' town was created in Momence and downtown Momence has been named a National Historic District. Visitors' bureaus have featured the drive extensively. Barb Dorman is a reporter for Russell Publications.
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