Category Archives: Car Shows

Car Shows, CBCF - Champagne British Car Festival

Celebrate 35 Years of British Motoring at the 2026 Champagne British Car Festival

The Champagne British Car Festival returns to Central Illinois May 29–31, 2026celebrating its 35th year as one of the Midwest’s premier gatherings for British car and motorcycle enthusiasts. Hosted by the Illinois Flat Land British Car Club, this three-day festival in Bloomington, Illinois blends classic motoring, scenic drives, and unmatched camaraderie into a memorable weekend for participants and spectators alike.

A Full Weekend of British Motoring Experiences

The 2026 festival weekend kicks off on Friday evening, May 29, with a Welcome Reception and Event Packet Pickup at the Chateau Hotel & Conference Center in Bloomington. The popular British Pub Mixer offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends, meet new enthusiasts, and enjoy an informal gathering surrounded by classic British machinery.

On Saturday, May 30, activities center around Cars & Coffee at Davis Lodge at Lake Bloomington, followed by the much-anticipated Scavenger Hunt Rally, scenic drives through Central Illinois, and the return of the Boot Sale / Swap Meet.  Attendees can buy, sell, or trade parts and memorabilia straight from their car boots or the Boot Sale Room in the Davis Lodge, Lake Bloomington. Saturday evening concludes with the CBCF Banquet and Charity Silent Auction, featuring guest speakers highlighting the history and cultural importance of Illinois Route 66.

Sunday Car Show at the David Davis Mansion

The highlight of the weekend takes place on Sunday, May 31, 2026, with the All‑British Car & Motorcycle Show held on the scenic Clover Lawn of the David Davis Mansion in Bloomington. The show is free to spectators and showcases more than 125 British vehicles spanning decades of motoring heritage, from iconic classics to modern interpretations.

Union Jacks and marque flags will line the historic grounds as attendees enjoy live music, food vendors, and popular‑vote judging across more than 30 marque‑specific classes. Awards include Best of Show and People’s Choice, making every entrant part of the excitement.

Featured Marque for 2026: Mini & MINI Cooper

The 2026 Featured Marque shines a spotlight on all Classic Minis and modern MINI Coopers, celebrating the design, performance, and personality that made Mini a global icon. From early classics to contemporary models, Mini owners are encouraged to register early and be part of one of the largest Mini showcases the festival has hosted.

Why You Should Attend

Whether you’re a longtime British car owner, a casual admirer, or attending for the first time, the Champagne British Car Festival offers:

  • A welcoming, multi‑marque community
  • Scenic drives and interactive activities
  • A historic setting unmatched by typical car shows
  • A family‑friendly atmosphere celebrating British motoring culture

After 35 years, the festival continues to blend tradition with fresh experiences, making 2026 a milestone celebration not to be missed.

Mark your calendar, polish your chrome, and join us in Bloomington for a truly British motoring weekend at the 2026 Champagne British Car Festival.

Click HERE to pre-register

Car Shows, Cars and Coffee, CBCF - Champagne British Car Festival, Drives, Special Events

2026 Champagne British Car Festival Celebrates its 35th year in Central Illinois!

Click HERE to pre-register

What’s happening at the Champagne British Car Festival THIS YEAR?

Welcome Reception & Event Packet Pickup – Friday, May 29, 2026, 5:00 to 8:00 PM –We’ll be keeping the popular Friday evening Welcome Reception & Event Packet Pickup sponsored by the Illinois Flat Land British Car Club (IFLBCC) at The Chateau Hotel and Conference Center.  Pre-Registered entrants will have the opportunity to pick up their weekend information packet and stay for our British Pub Mixer.  Along with the cash bar, we’ll be providing a variety of sandwiches and snacks to enjoy as you renew old friendships and make new ones.  We’ll have lots of group parking outside the Conference Center where an impromptu car show is sure to develop.

Cars & Coffee at the Davis Lodge, Lake Bloomington – Scavenger Hunt and Boot Sale – Saturday,  May 30, 2026 – 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM  – The Davis Lodge, will be the hub for all of Saturday’s activities until the sit-down banquet at the Chateau Conference Center.  Davis Lodge, Davis Lodge Rd., Hudson, IL (Directions)

Our 2026 Scavenger Hunt and other Special Activities will take advantage of the area’s lake roads, small town sights and area restaurants. Participants will pick up their Route instructions at the 9:45 am Driver’s Meeting    *MUST ATTEND to receive your route instructions.

The Boot Sale/Swap Meet IS BACK with a twist! Boot Sale items can now be displayed ALL DAY at Lake Bloomington’s Davis Lodge. The Lodge will accommodate items in both the parking lot and in the Boot Sale room of the lodge.

Got some extra parts? New? Used? Memorabilia? Shop Manuals? Here’s your chance to sell or swap them. Tuck them into the boot of your car and bring them along!!  

Watch the What’s New? section of the www.IFLBCC.club  website for more details.

CBCF Banquet & Silent Auction – Saturday May 30, 2026 – 5:30 PM – Saturday’s activities will be capped off with our traditional CBCF Banquet.  The sit-down banquet will again be held in the renovated Chateau Hotel and Conference Center’s ballroom.  We’ll have designated parking to display our cars and provide lots of opportunities for mixing with fellow enthusiasts before dinner. 

Plan to enjoy a presentation by local Route 66 experts on the cultural and historical importance of this storied highway.  From kitschy roadside attractions such as Atlanta’s Giants Museum to one of Route 66’s finest examples of a 1930’s era service station.  Central IL offers visitors the very best of America’s heartland right here in Illinois.

Our Charity Silent Auction will be BACK for 2026! The CBCF British Car oriented Silent Auction will also be available throughout the evening.

CBCF Car Show – Sunday May 31, 2026 – 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM– The weekend culminates with the Champagne British Car Show on beautiful Clover Lawn of David Davis Mansion, Bloomington, IL.  The David Davis Mansion provides a wonderful backdrop to display over 125 British cars at this popular annual event, organized by members of the Illinois Flat Land British Car Club.   The festival includes music, vendors, food and beverage options, tables and chairs to enjoy your meal and drinks. 

Click HERE to pre-register

ALL Classic Minis and 2002+ MINI Coopers get the Featured Marque spotlight at this year’s Champagne British Car Festival  

The Festival’s car show is open to the public from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and holds its awards ceremony at 2:30 PM on Sunday, May 31, 2026  

Awards – All registered vehicles will be entered into one of +/- 30 marque specific classes.  Voting will be a “Popular Vote” by registered participants. The total number of Class awards will be based on the number of cars pre-registered.

Click HERE to pre-register

As with most car shows, the enthusiasts who volunteer their time and  efforts have made the CBCF what it is today. The Champagne British Car Festival has become an annual event for many British car enthusiasts in the Midwest since 1991.

The CBCF receives significant financial and social media support from the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau each year. Our Festival wouldn’t be the same without them.

NEED TO REACH US?

Jim Broach Co-Chair:           cbcftreas@gmail.com

Brian Davis Co-Chair:           bjdavis@PaddysGarage.com

Alan Kleinschmidt Co-Chair         ala

Car Shows, Drives, Highland Games Car Show, Special Events

SPRINGFIELD HIGHLAND GAMES FREE ALL-BRITISH CAR SHOW – October 18, 2025 – Pre-Registration Required

The IFLBCC has been invited to attend this year’s Springfield Highland Games British Car Show – Springfield Area Highland Games on October 18th, 2025. 

FREE attendance requires submitting the SAHG-British Car Show Application. Click Here.  Participants MUST send the Show application before October 7, 2025.  Forms will also be available at the October Natter ‘n Noggin or Click Here.

The Highland Games would like to prepare entry passes in advance for all who will be attending, in the hopes that all will go smoothly the day of the event. Entrants can respond either by email or snail mail; either method works, as long as they submit the forms before October 7, allowing time for passes to be printed. 

You can contact Jordan Thomas-Summers by email at: [ jordan.lynn.1990@gmail.com ] with any questions you have about the event.  You can also mail your entry to: Jordan Thomas-Summers 6245 W. Iles Ave. New Berlin, IL 62670 Also click here.

Please visit the IFLBCC Group Drive event page to RSVP – https://www.facebook.com/share/17AeKcvVTX/  so that we know how many will be cruising with us.  You can also RSVP with Brian Davis – mailto:bjdavis@PaddysGarage.com

IFLBCC Event Drive*:  We’ll be taking the Old Route 66 route from Bloomington, to Atlanta, Lincoln, Williamsville, Sherman, and finally to the Sangamon Co. Fair Grounds in New Berlin. We’ll be rest stopping at the Love’s in Williamsville at approximately 10:00am.

Click here for the Google map directions that can be downloaded to your phone or printed out. This will be a group drive. https://maps.app.goo.gl/UwsYSULLZBnxerZ69

Drive Details: For those leaving from Bloomington, Brian Davis will lead our drive on Sat. October 18th, from Casey’s on 2017 Fox Creek Rd, Bloomington, IL 61701.  Departure time will be 9:00 AM for an approximate arrival time of 11:00 at New Berlin, IL.   The drive avoids all interstate travel and skirts the North and West side of Springfield.  The route is approximately 77 miles, so we’ll need to leave Casey’s promptly at 9:00 AM.  Please note that the Car Show parking will be at Gate 3.    

Post-Show Meal:  After the show, around 2:00-2:30 PM, we will stop at the Fairlane Diner in Sherman, IL, for a final gathering before heading home. The Fairlane Diner is a family-owned restaurant situated along Old Route 66 in Sherman, Illinois. The Fairlane offers a variety of burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, horseshoes, and ice cream. 50’s 60’s atmosphere with friendly staff and good music.

Event Link: Springfield Area Highland Games

Event/Drive Questions:  Brian Davis – mailto:bjdavis@PaddysGarage.com 

Event Questions: You can contact Jordan Thomas-Summers by email at: [ jordan.lynn.1990@gmail.com ] with any questions you have about the event. 

Additional Resources:

www.centralillinoiscelts.com 

https://www.facebook.com/springfieldhighlandgames

https://www.facebook.com/central illinois celts

Awards, Car Shows, Cars and Coffee, CBCF - Champagne British Car Festival, Drives, Special Events

2025 Champagne British Car Festival Celebrates its 34th year in Central Illinois!

The Champagne British Car Festival (CBCF) is the Illinois Flat Land British Car Club’s annual celebration of all things British motoring, held in Bloomington, Illinois. This fantastic event has been running for over 33 years, attracting British car enthusiasts from all over the Midwest. Besides Sunday’s All-British Car Show, the Festival includes a British Pub Reception, Cars & Coffee, Guided Drive, Boot Sale, Sit-Down Banquet and Silent Auction. The CBCF Weekend will run from Friday May 30 to Sunday June 1, 2025.  Online registration is OPEN NOW!

Click HERE to pre-register

What’s happening at the Champagne British Car Festival THIS YEAR?

Car Show: The weekend will culminate with the Champagne British Car Show on beautiful Clover Lawn of David Davis Mansion, Bloomington, IL.  The David Davis Mansion provides a wonderful backdrop to display over 125 British cars at this popular annual event, organized by members of the Illinois Flat Land British Car Club.  

ALL Jaguar cars get the Featured Marque spotlight at this year’s Champagne British Car Festival 

All registered vehicles will be entered into one of +/- 30 marque specific classes.  Voting will be a “Popular Vote” by registered participants.

All registered vehicles will be entered into one of +/- 30 marque specific classes.  Voting will be a “Popular Vote” by registered participants.

Welcome Reception: Pre-Registered entrants will have the opportunity to pick up their weekend information packet early and stay for our British Pub Mixer welcome reception Friday evening at the Chateau Hotel’s Conference Center.  Along with the cash bar, the IFLBCC will be providing a variety of sandwiches and snacks to enjoy as you renew old friendships and make new ones.  We’ll have lots of group parking outside the Conference Center where an impromptu car show is sure to develop.

Scavenger Hunt & Boot Sale: Saturday begins with a brief Cars & Coffee followed by a self-guided Scavenger Hunt and other Special Activities which take advantage of the area’s iconic roads, small town sights and area restaurants. The Boot Sale/Swap Meet IS BACK!  The Chateau’s parking lot will be an excellent venue for that, once the Scavenger Hunters are back from their drive. The Chateau Hotel will be the hub for all of Saturday’s activities until the sit-down banquet at the Chateau Conference Center. Watch the What’s New? section of the IFLBCC.club website for more details

Banquet & Charity Silent Auction:  Saturday’s activities will be capped off with our traditional CBCF Banquet & Silent Auction.  The sit-down banquet will again be held in the renovated Chateau Hotel and Conference Center’s ballroom.  We’ll have designated parking to display our cars and provide lots of opportunities for mixing with fellow enthusiasts before dinner.  The CBCF Planning Committee is currently working on arrangements for a very special presenter that we’re sure that ALL British Car owners will enjoy.  Our Charity Silent Auction will be BACK for 2025!

Whether you’re a die-hard British car enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, the CBCF’s Sunday All-British Car Show on June 1, 2025 is an event not to be missed!  Online registration is OPEN NOW! Click HERE to pre-register

NEED TO REACH US?

Jim Broach Co-Chair:           cbcftreas@gmail.com

Brian Davis Co-Chair:           bjdavis@PaddysGarage.com

Alan Kleinschmidt Co-Chair         alankleinschmidt@yahoo.com

Event Registrar    cbcfreg@gmail.com

Car Shows, Cars and Coffee, CBCF - Champagne British Car Festival, Drives

Champagne British Car Festival 2024 Celebrates its 33rd year in Central Illinois!

The Illinois Flat Land British Car Club Planning Committee met at Culver’s in Bloomington on Wednesday, January 10th, to begin finalizing plans for the Champagne British Car Festival (CBCF).  The CBCF will be held during the weekend of May 31 to June 2, 2024.  All Aston Martin and Austin-Healey cars will get the Featured Marque spotlight this year.

The 2024 CBCF planners are working hard to include many of the familiar weekend features while adding a variety of new and exciting venues, drives and activities.

We’ll be keeping the popular Friday evening Welcome Reception & Event Packet Pickup sponsored by the Illinois Flat Land British Car Club (IFLBCC) at The Chateau Hotel and Conference Center.  Pre-Registered entrants will have the opportunity to pick up their weekend information packet and stay for our British Pub Mixer.  Along with the cash bar, we’ll be providing a variety of pizzas and snacks to enjoy as you renew old friendships and make new ones.  We’ll have lots of group parking outside the Conference Center where an impromptu car show is sure to develop.

The fun continues Saturday morning, June 1, 2024 at our first-time ever venue, the Davis Lodge at Lake Bloomington, Hudson, IL.  This beautiful City of Bloomington owned lodge will be the hub for all of Saturday’s activities, until Saturday evening’s banquet at the Chateau Conference Center.  

Saturday morning activities will begin with a Cars & Coffee at Davis Lodge.  The site of the lodge overlooks the widest expanse of Lake Bloomington and makes for a beautiful backdrop our classic cars.  We plan on providing some morning refreshments for early-bird attendees. The two separate screened rooms and a large patio overlooking Lake Bloomington are perfect for enjoying a morning beverage.

Our Planning Committee is working on our first-ever CBCF Scavenger Hunt and other Special Activities that will all start and end at Lake Bloomington’s Davis lodge.  The planned Scavenger Hunt will take advantage of the area’s lake roads, small town sights and area restaurants. 

Last year’s event survey suggested that many would enjoy a Boot Sale/Swap Meet.  The Davis Lodge will be an excellent venue for that, once the Scavenger Hunter’s are back from their drive. Watch the What’s New? section of the www.IFLBCC.club  website for more details.

Saturday’s activities will be capped off with our traditional CBCF Banquet.  The sit-down banquet will again be held in the renovated Chateau Hotel and Conference Center’s ballroom.  We’ll have designated parking to display our cars and provide lots of opportunities for mixing with fellow enthusiasts before dinner.  Our Planning Committee is also exploring the possibility of holding a Silent Auction throughout the evening. More on that later.

The weekend culminates on Sunday June 2, 2024 with the British Car Show on beautiful Clover Lawn of David Davis Mansion, Bloomington, IL.  The David Davis Mansion provides a wonderful backdrop to display over 150 British cars at this popular annual event, organized by members of the Illinois Flat Land British Car Club. ALL Aston Martin and Austin-Healey cars are Featured Marques at this year’s Festival.

The Festival includes music, vendors, food and beverage options, tables and chairs to enjoy your meal and drinks.  Once again, Redbird Catering will be adding a British favorite, Fish & Chips, to their typical menu. Gramma Nanna’s will also be on hand with delicious cookies, ice cream, shakes and floats.

The car show is open to the public from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and holds its awards ceremony at 2:30 PM on Sunday, June 2nd, 2024. 

All registered vehicles will be entered into one of +/- 25 marque-specific classes.  Voting will be a “Popular Vote” by registered participants. The total number of Class awards will be based on the number of cars pre-registered.

Additional details will be announced on the www.IFLBCC.club  after February 1, 2024.

Car Shows, CBCF - Champagne British Car Festival

Champagne British Car Festival Set for June 2nd At David Davis Mansion State Historic Site

BLOOMINGTON, IL (JUNE 2024) – The Illinois Flatland British Car Club (IFLBCC.club) has announced its 33rd annual Champagne British Car Festival car show to be held on Sunday, June 2, 2024 at the David Davis Mansion.

The Champagne British Car Festival (CBCF) is an annual charitable event which is open to any and all British cars and motorcycles.  This year, the show organizers anticipate a record setting number of cars and bikes to be on display.  The show is open to the public from 10:00am to 2:00pm, at the historic David Davis Mansion, Bloomington, IL (daviddavismansion.org). Admission to the car show is free but donations are encouraged and benefit the David Davis Mansion Foundation

This is a wonderful opportunity to view classic British cars representing over 60 years of British motoring history. Come join over 150 classic British Cars and their owners for a day of unparalleled British automotive history. You can expect to see such great British cars of yesteryear as Aston Martin, Austin-Healy, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar, MG, Morgan, Triumph, Mini,  and more. The featured marque for 2024 will be All Aston Martin and Austin-Healey cars.

Come join us for great family fun. The Festival includes music, vendors, food and beverage options, tables and chairs to enjoy your meal and drinks.  Once again, Redbird Catering will be adding a British favorite, Fish & Chips, to their typical menu. Gramma Nanna’s will also be on hand with delicious cookies, ice cream, shakes and floats.

The David Davis Mansion State Historic Site (1000 Monroe Drive in Bloomington) was built in 1872 by David Davis, a political ally of Abraham Lincoln and a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. All entrance donations will benefit the David Davis Mansion Foundation.

The site is operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. IDNR protects the state’s historic resources, which contribute to education, culture and the economy. IDNR sites include ancient burial grounds, forts and buildings erected by settlers, and homes connected to famous Illinoisans.

The David Davis Mansion Foundation is a not-for-profit organization supporting education, preservation and acquisition programs for the David Davis Mansion.

Further information may be found at http://www.cbcf-bloomington.com

Car Shows, CBCF - Champagne British Car Festival, Newsletter - The British Marque

Celebrating 100 Years of MG at The Mansion

Celebrating 100 Years of MG at The Mansion

By Angie Davis

The 2023 Champagne British Car Festival (CBCF) held June 2nd – 4th is now one for the books!  Sponsoring club, the Illinois Flat Land British Car Club (IFLBCC), hosted a fun-filled and action-packed weekend complete with  Friday evening Welcome Reception, Saturday drive and cruise-in on historic Route 66, Saturday evening banquet and a Sunday Car Show that attracted nearly 150 beautiful British vehicles to the remarkable David Davis Mansion in Bloomington, Illinois.

Dozens and dozens of pre-registered drivers and guests kicked off their Festival weekend Friday evening at a Welcome Reception held at the Chateau Hotel and Conference Center. Everyone had a chance to pick up their name badges and registration packets, get reacquainted and catch  up with old friends and meet new LBC enthusiasts over tasty food and beverages.

After a drivers’ meeting Saturday morning, motorists took off – driving instructions in-hand – on a rally style drive and cruise-in around Lake Bloomington and up Historic Route 66 to Pontiac, Illinois. Drivers and passengers of the 40 cars that participated in the adventure were met by members of the Pontiac tourism bureau and treated to welcome bags with VIP buttons, information about the city of Pontiac, access to museums, walking tours, discounts to local shops and restaurants and terrific photo opportunities at wall murals around town.

Several folks took advantage of two “Behind the Scenes” tours conducted by Tim Dye, owner of the Pontiac-Oakland Museum.  The automobile museum offers rotating exhibits to ensure a new and exciting experience.  The only Pontiac-Oakland Museum in the world, they display hundreds of pieces of memorabilia alongside the ever-changing selection of cars. 

But the day was far from over! The Saturday evening banquet afforded an opportunity to socialize during a great dinner and delicious desserts decorated with the CBCF rondel and logos celebrating 100 years of MG Motors, this year’s featured marque. Guest speaker, John Twist, regaled the 100 banquet guests with his entertaining presentation “MG Was my Destiny.” He left attendees looking forward to viewing his famous “Rolling Tech Sessions” scheduled during the Sunday car show.  

Dave Fitch’s MG TD takes its turn at John Twist’s “Rolling Tech Session” under the watchful eye of Gerald Lofthouse of the Chicagoland’s British Car Union.

Registered participants and hundreds of spectators were treated to a brilliant, sunny and warm Sunday for the Car Show at David Davis Mansion. The Midwest was well-represented with British car owners traveling from seven states – Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri and Wisconsin – to participate in the Festival.

The shady, welcoming David Davis Mansion grounds were resplendent with a spectacular Union Jack as a backdrop and flags of the various British marques gently fluttering in the afternoon breeze. Food vendors and music added to the lively atmosphere throughout the day as car owners shared stories about their beloved cars and curious spectators posed questions to learn as much as they could about the vehicles on display.

This year’s MG Featured Marque included the pictured MGBs and MG Midgets

Registered participants voted for their peers to name 1st, 2nd and 3rd place  winners in 21 designated classes and Car of Show. Spectators who attended the Show cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award.   

Congratulations to Simon Griffin of Edwardsville, Illinois who took top honors this year in a clean sweep!  Simon, who at past CBCFs has shown his lovely Austin-Healey 100, left his Healey in the garage and drove to the Show in his recently-acquired 1930 MG 18/80 MKII. His stunning pre-war automobile took 1st in the MG Other class, was awarded Car of Show and claimed the People’s Choice Award. If you are fortunate to see this beauty at a future show, be certain to check out its rich history.

First in Class, Car of Show and People’s Choice Winner – Simon Griffin’s 1930 MG 18/80 MKII

First place winners in the five remaining MG Classes – MG T-Series, MGA, MGB Chrome, MGB Rubber and Midget / Sprite – are Steven Runyan, Alan Kleinschmidt, Doug Eppich, Nigel Keen, and Stephen Sparks.  

A list of all CBCF winners can be found at CBCF-Bloomington.com under Recent Posts – Congratulations to ALL 2023 Champagne British Car Festival Car Show Winners!

As with most car shows, it’s the local car club volunteer’s time and efforts that make the CBCF Weekend possible.  The IFLBCC Team is already planning next year’s event with special attention to participant’s Post-Weekend Survey comments and suggestions.

Remember to mark your 2024 calendars and plan to join us in Bloomington, Illinois for next year’s Champagne British Car Festival May 31 – June 2, 2024, when the Featured Marques will be Aston Martin and Austin Healey.

Car Shows

Kilts and Kars – The 2023 Highland Games British Car Show

Over the past two decades, the Springfield Area Highland Games and Celtic Festival has had the pleasure of presenting to the Illinois public a proud picture of what it means to be of Celtic decent.  The Highland Games are a unique mix of sports, culture and community: the whirl of the kilt during a Highland Fling, the unforgettable sound of pipers and drummers and the display of power and skill of the Celtic athletes. 

The IFLBCC was invited again to attend this year’s Springfield Highland Games British Car Show in New Berlin, IL on May 20th.  Our group has attended this event twice in the past and it has always been a fun day out and this year was no exception. 

It was beautiful Saturday morning as our group headed out from Bloomington, IL around 9:00 am for a leisurely cruise down historic Route 66.  There are many attractions along this route like the Paul Bunyan statue in Atlanta, the World’s Largest Railsplitter Covered Wagon in Lincoln and the Williamsville “Old Station” with its vintage gas pumps and classic memorabilia from the 1930’s. Traffic was light and we easily made our scheduled arrival at the Sangamon County Fairgrounds in New Berlin.

Our group was anxiously greeted by dozens of Highland Games visitors.  The car show is adjacent to the Children’s Area which is always a treat as the kids and their parents thoroughly enjoy seeing and sitting in our “little” cars.  Not long after our arrival a group of bagpipers and drummers marched by setting the tone for the rest of the day.

As we began the typical “Car Show Protocol” of emptying the boots of lawn chairs, coolers and polishing gear many of our group were drawn to the all the Highland Games has to offer –  Clan Row, Highland Dance Competition, Whisky Tasting, Celtic Vendors, Food, Live Entertainment, Children’s Area, Bagpipes, Highland Cows, Clydesdales, Springfield Celts Rugby, Historical European Martial Arts, Jurassic Scotland and, of course, the British Car Show!

There was so much interest in our cars that we were initially obligated to stick close to the collection of MGBs, Minis, Triumphs and Aston Martin. What is this? Who made it? I had one of those.  My Mum had one when I was growing up in Scotland.  So many interesting stories and chances to educate the public about our cars and hobby.

Besides meeting new folks attending the show, we’re able to rekindle our connection with car-friends that come from throughout Central IL.  We were pleased to meet a brand-new member to the LBC community and his “Survivor” 1976 Triumph TR6.  He’d only owned it two weeks after seeing it alongside the road with a For Sale sign.  It was the same color as one he owned 45 years ago so naturally, he HAD to buy it.  He was re-learning about TR’s so our “Tech Team” jumped into action, helping him adjust his hood latch mechanism and offer up answers to his many questions.

What would a gathering of British car owners be without a wee’ bit ‘o natter and noggin?   The Highland Games had plenty of opportunity for both.  We gathered at the nearby pavilion where food and beverage vendors were happy to provide refreshments as a collection of entertainers serenaded us with traditional and popular Celtic songs.

The final leg of our outing was a visit to the iconic Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill and Museum just 20 minutes from the Highland Games.  For some in our group, this was their first chance to experience the nostalgic atmosphere, cars, motorcycles, and more. The building was originally built as a Stuckey’s gas station in 1971. It’s called Motorheads because the restaurant is closely tied to the world’s fastest dirt mile-track, located in Springfield, IL. 

With hugs and laughs we parted ways to our separate points of the compass knowing that we’d all be back together at the Champagne British Car Festival in Bloomington, IL in just two weeks!  

Car Shows, Drives

Springfield Area Highland Games All-British Car Show and Cruise-in – May 20th

The IFLBCC has been invited again to attend this year’s Springfield Highland Games British Car Show – New Berlin, IL on May 20th.

Our group has attended this event twice in the past and has always been a fun day out.

FREE attendance requires submitting a British Car Show Application PDF Application is attached below. The IFLBCC Facebook Event can be found here: https://fb.me/e/wdFAYytC

IFLBCC Event Drive:  For those leaving from Bloomington, Brian Davis will lead our drive on Sat. May 20th, from Casey’s on 2017 Fox Creek Rd, Bloomington, IL 61701.  Departure time will be 9:00AM for an approximate arrival time of 11:00 at New Berlin, IL.   The drive avoids all interstate travel and skirts the North and West side of Springfield.  The route is approximately 83 miles, so we’ll need to leave Casey’s promptly at 9:00 AM.  Please note that the Car Show parking will be at Gate 3.

Please visit the IFLBCC Group Drive event page to RSVP – https://fb.me/e/wdFAYytC  so that we know how many will be cruising with us.

Post Car Show Meal: After the show, approximately 3 PM, we will be heading to Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill in Springfield for a post-car show meal. 

Event Link: Springfield Area Highland Games

Event/Drive Questions:  Brian Davis – mailto:bjdavis@PaddysGarage.com 

Event Questions: You can contact Jordan Thomas-Summers by email at: [ jordan.lynn.1990@gmail.com ] with any questions you have about the event. 

Additional Resources:

https://iflbcc.club/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2023-SAHG-British-Car-Show-Application.pdf

www.centralillinoiscelts.com 

https://www.facebook.com/springfieldhighlandgames

https://www.facebook.com/centralillinoiscelts

SAVE THE DATE!

2023-SAHG-British-Car-Show-ApplicationDownload