Amazing.. it has been 9 years.. Annual VA hospital show

I did the math this morning in my head and was kinda shocked.. how have 8 shows come and gone so fast? Haley came up with the idea for this show in 2004 and worked to get approval and donations and it has grown every year. She did all the organizing the first 5 years or so in her spare time then the VA took over management of the show after that. She still does a lot of promotion of the event so gets to have some input. The first year there were 48 registered cars and a few who didn't register. Since that time it has grown to several hundred cars each year with an amazing variety of cars. We have seen everything from Ferraris and Lambos to Big brass era cars, muscle cars, Corvettes, Rolls, Bentley, street rods, euro tuner cars, bikes, low riders and Japanese cars.

The show is always a highlight of the year for the patients. Many of them live onsite in the VA nursing home facility and it's one of the only times they get to go outside and see something exciting. I was looking through some of the pictures from the first show this morning and it made me smile seeing so many people we don't seem to see anymore.. Helmut and Gisela, Frank, Rick, Rocketboy, and others. In the beginning Haley's family and John and Anne did all the cooking. A few people have made it nearly every year. The patients and all of us are really grateful for everyone who comes and spends a few hours with us each year on this special day. As always the show is 100% free. Free food, drinks, admission and lots of priceless smiles all around.

If you can make it please come out July 21st (the 3rd Sat in July). The hours of the show officially are 11-3, however if you show up earlier there's a better chance for us to park the Italian's together. Haley and I are usually there by 9, the corvette club gets there by 10 as a group. The first few years we had a parade out the gate past wards that patients who couldn't come out could see however you are free to leave when you need to.

For a nice look back here's a link to the first shows..
2004 - http://members.core.com/~michelle.lonnecker/
2005 - http://members.core.com/~michelle.lonnecker/2005/
one from 2006 - http://members.core.com/~michelle.lonnecker/2006/vetshow_2006.jpg

Thank you everyone over the years who has attended or been a part of this wonderful day. We will have tents set up to help you get a break from the sun and will bring some folding chairs. I look forward to seeing those who can make it!

 

Thanks Dan!!!! your pics are AWESOME as always!

Andrew.. I'll post a map in a little bit. looking for the pic..

it's on the south east corner of Buckley ave and Green Bay road using the entrance on Green Bay Road near Great Lakes Naval Training Center

 

I don't know how we managed to get such good weather for the VA show each year.. with all the heat we had recently Sat morning is going to be in the 70's with just 10% chance of precip As always Haley and I will get there early an set up a couple canopies and chairs. If you're coming look for the Ferrari flag flying to find us.
An you don't need to bring lunch or drinks as donations continue to keep everything free. I hope we get to see a bunch of you there

 

There are no stupid questions!

It's just north of Lake Forest on the south east corner of the intersection of Green Bay road (131) and Buckley road (137)
If approaching from 94 exit on 137 east, and drive about 3 miles turn right on Green bay road (south) and go about 1/4 mile turn left at the light and you're entering the parking lots where the show is.

Be warned, the intersection of Buckley and Green Bay is a photo enforced light where you will make a right turn, with the white line artificially far back, make sure you stop at the line!!!!

here's a map from the VA hospital's site: http://www.lovell.fhcc.va.gov/images/AreaMap.jpg

 

And here's a map of the VA campus with the 3 stars representing the parking areas where the show fills up. We always set up the canopies and Ferrari flag in the lot closest to the building

I included the Satellite view so you see what it actually looks like better than the VA produced info-graphic
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