Polka Dot Cruise Nite in Braidwood - Aug. 2nd

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Classic car show returns to Braidwood in August

Cruise Night: Food, entertainment, auto contest on Route 66

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By Jennifer DeSalvo
SPECIAL TO THE HERALD NEWS

BRAIDWOOD — Summer is not complete without the one night in August that the town is filled with prize-winning classic cars.

The Polk-A-Dot Drive-In has for the past seven years sponsored Cruise Night right on the historic Route 66.

Car owners from the surrounding area come to compete in this giant event, while those who don't own classic automobiles just come for the great food and fun. From 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 2, the Drive-In will host the eighth-annual Cruise Night.

This year, the regulations are a little different. With the growing popularity of Cruise Night, the restaurant is making the contest more specific.

Judy Chinski, a manager at the Polk-A-Dot, said that last year there were just too many cars that registered for the contest.

Normally, the cars that take part in the contest are anywhere from aged antique autos to models made only in the past few years. Because of the 450 participants who took part in the 2002 Cruise Night, the Drive-In has changed the standards allowing only cars to register if they were made in or before 1979, and are in show condition.

The 10 classes of cars qualified for the contest range from pre-1950 autos to pro-street vehicles. Participants are not allowed to pre-register, but will be able to after 4 p.m. Aug. 2 when the restaurant opens. With the $10 participation fee, a Cruise Night dashboard plaque will be given to each contestant.

Trophies with the class and year of the car will be awarded to the top three cars in most classes, while in others only one prize will be given. Additional special awards will be distributed. All prizes will be given out beginning roughly at 9 p.m.

Also, a live disc jockey will provide music for the event. Door prizes, a 50/50 drawing and other raffles are part of the festivities.

Visit www.Polk-A-Dot.com for registration information.