By ANN NICCUM

Trio of events scheduled for automobile enthusiasts
Car events will be a major part of the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon Route 66 Festival.

In its 11th year, the festival remembers the historic road that once brought travelers through cities across the nation including Edwardsville.

As part of the heritage, each year there are events to bring cars from the past to reflect that time.

This year the festival on June 8 and 9 will continue that tradition with several classic car events, such as a poker run, car cruise and car show.

All car events are scheduled for Saturday.

The poker run will kick off the day.

Participants can register for the event from noon to 4 p.m. at Crushed Grapes in Edwardsville.

Playing cards will be given at five locations throughout the area giving participants an opportunity to visit Route 66 and many sites.

Participating locations are: Crushed Grapes in Edwardsville, Scotty's in Hamel, Luna Café in Mitchell and Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Madison.

The final stop will be at the site of the Festival in Edwardsville's City Park.

Directions to all locations will be given at registration.

All sites will have a party for the guests.

Each poker hand will cost $2.50.

The event will conclude at 5 p.m. at City Park.

Playing cards will be collected and the best poker hand will win.

Winners will then be announced on the bandstand inside City Park at 8:30 p.m.

At 6:30 p.m., the car cruise will begin at Lincoln Middle School and move along on Route 66 to City Park.

Those interested in participating must register at the school parking lot at 4:30 p.m.

The cost is $5.

Cars will leave Lincoln Middle School at 145 West Street and move along St. Louis Street, Troy Road, Center Grove Road, Plum Street, Vandalia Street and end at City Park.

After the car cruise, cars are invited to participate in the car show.

Cars may end the cruise at Cassens parking lot located on North Kansas Street across from the Edwardsville Post Office.

The car show is free to those with cruise hang tags or late arrivals with custom cars.

Classic cars, hot rods, street rods, muscle cars and custom cars are all welcome.

Pre-registration is available, but not required for car events.

There are some package deals for those who register early.

Steve Badger

News Source: Go Edwards Ville