Largest car show in Illinois invades Monmouth this week. Here's everything you need to know

MONMOUTH — Organizers of Cruise Night in Maple City, self-proclaimed as the largest car show in Illinois, are expecting a record number of entries for the 23rd annual event Friday in Downtown Monmouth.

Clifford Adam, president of Cruise Night in Maple City, said he expects between 3,800 and 4,000 cars of all shapes and sizes to be on display Friday. Hours of the event are 5 to 9 p.m., but spectators can begin checking out the cars when setup starts at 7 a.m. Admission is free, and cars can also enter for no charge on the day of the event.

"Every car show I've been to and my friends have been to this year, have just been over the top," Adam said. "I've been to car shows from Chicago to southern Illinois, and I think we're the largest in the state. We're expecting a record number of people and cars this year. Nothing else matches what we have here in Monmouth."

Adam said they are expecting 40,000 to attend Cruise Night in Maple City.

"So on Aug. 5, Monmouth's population will be larger than Galesburg," Adam said. "In the minds of many people, this is the best thing the city of Monmouth has going for it. It brings in a lot of people and a lot of revenue."

Here's how it will work on Friday:

Where is the car show located?

The Monmouth Square is ground zero for the event. That is where cars register and where food vendors will be located and where entertainment will perform. Show cars will be located on the streets of Downtown Monmouth.

What are the hours?

Owners of show cars can register and and start parking on the streets of Monmouth at 7 a.m. Friday.

Hours of the event are 5 to 9 p.m., but spectators can begin checking out the cars when setup starts at 7 a.m.

How much does it cost?

Admission is free, and cars can also enter for no charge on the day of the event.

The show is able to be free for participants and spectators due to generous sponsors of the event, according to Adam.

Where should I park?

The main parking area for spectators is at Monmouth-Roseville High School, 200 S B St, Monmouth. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early and have patience on the day of the event, according to Adam. Parking also will be available on streets not reserved for show entries.

Will there be food available?

There will be 12 to 13 food vendors set up at the event throughout the day. Adam said one vendor plans to serve breakfast for the earlybirds.

Will there be entertainment?

The band Eternity Road will perform from 6 to 9 p.m. There also will be a DJ from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Door prizes and a 50/50 raffle will be available, and Cruise Night in Maple City T-shirts also will be on sale.

For more information, call (309) 221-8569 or (309) 371-0229.

This article originally appeared on Galesburg Register-Mail: Monmouth, IL Cruise Night is largest car show largest in Illinois