Turning Back Time Car Show returns to Sycamore

SYCAMORE – Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Sycamore Sunday to view more than 600 cars and about 60 motorcycles during the 21st annual Fizz Ehrler Memorial Turning Back Time Car Show.

Madeline DeVito, the director of the car show, said that the event “had a great turnout, we were looking for any nook or cranny we could find to park cars.”

“It’s busy and a lot of fun, and we’re so excited it’s back in-person and that we’re hosting the event again,” she said. “In addition to lots of cars and motorcycles, we have a record number of volunteers this year. The event wouldn’t be possible without them.”

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Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Sycamore Sunday, July 25, to view more than 600 cars and about 60 motorcycles during the 21st annual Fizz Ehrler Memorial Turning Back Time Car Show. (Katrina Milton)

The event’s primary goal is to raise funds for local non-profit entities and organizations, including: Kishwaukee Cancer Center, TransVAC, Sycamore Food Pantry, EAA Young Eagles, Salvation Army, The Barn on Baseline, Fizz Ehrler Memorial Scholarships, Sycamore Park District, Sycamore Police Auxiliary, Family Service Agency and more.

The Car Show began in 2000, starting from an idea from Chuck Criswell, the owner of Chuck’s Auto in Sycamore.

The event is made possible by volunteers and sponsors, including Auto Meter, Accurate Towing, DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport, Meijer Foods, Country Store and Catering, Sycamore Veterans Club, Sycamore Park District, Slow Smoke BBQ, O’Donnell Crane Service, Johnson Canvas Shop, DeKalb/Sycamore Auto Group, Cub and Spanks, and the about 100 area companies participating in the car show.

This year’s Chuck Criswell “Best of Show” award was given to Kurt Richter of Aviston for his 1961 Chevy K-10 Apache truck.

David Sadoski of Kingston brought his green 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner to display during the car show.

“I love this show, I come every year,” he said. “It’s more than just cars. I see friends, people I know, and I see all the cars I remember growing up with.”

Kim Kramer of Sycamore said she attends the car show with her husband Ken every year “because it’s local and fun.”

“What I love about the cars here is that they all have character,” she said. “They’re all different and unique. The Bel Air is my favorite and anything from 1957. It’s also nice being out and about again, running into people I haven’t seen in a while.”

Mya Groza of Sycamore took her three children, 6-year-old Paul, 4-year-old Martha, and 2-year-old Luke to the car show “to share the experience of car shows with them.”

“Growing up in Wisconsin, I went every summer to car shows with my parents,” Groza said. “I want to pass on that tradition to my children. Attending car shows is a great summer activity that transcends generations.”