Bridgeview’s Under the Dome Car Show celebrates 10th anniversary

Jimmy & Jerrie Jones of Bridgeview.

By Howard Ludwig
Desplaines Valley News

Even the slightest chance of rain can kill a car show. Gearheads aren’t willing to get their prized possessions wet. Spectators aren’t interested in pouring over hot rods when it’s pouring outside.

The Under the Dome Car Show has a distinct advantage in this regard. The show celebrated its 10th anniversary on Saturday within the climate-controlled confines of the Bridgeview Sports Dome at 8900 S. 77^th Ave. in Bridgeview.

Roughly 125 vehicles parked beneath the dome, alongside 45 vendors selling various gifts and crafts. The event was free to attend. Tom Landek, director of Parks and Recreation for the Bridgeview Park District, estimated a crowd of some 1,000 onlookers.

Jimmy and Jerri Jones, of Bridgeview, arrived in their 1978 Corvette. This was the couple’s first car show. They were surprised to see so many neighbors and friends, unknowingly parking alongside fellow parishioner from church.

“I’ll definitely be back next year,” Jimmy Jones said.

Glenn Lubas, of Bridgeview, has missed the Under the Dome Car Show only once in its 10-year history. He stood proudly beside his 1960 Oldsmobile Super 88, sharing stories of the car he’s owned for 29 years.

“I’ve only been married for 21 years. She (his wife) said I’m gonna bury you in this car,” Lubas said.

Lubas lives three blocks away from the Bridgeview Sports Dome. He used to take his red Oldsmobile on longer trips. That was before the price of gasoline topped $4 per gallon. Nowadays, he puts less than 200 miles per year on his classic car.

Lenny Bradley, of Burbank, stood out for many reasons on Saturday. His 1975 Honda 360T was the only motorcycle at the car show. The bike was also painted neon green and black. Ornate artwork adorned his ride, including a portrait of Marilyn Monroe on the gas tank.

“I was gonna paint it white and black, but everybody does white and black,” Bradley said.

He’s owned his Honda motorcycle for five years. The design is intended to match his many tattoos, which are also inspired by classic Hollywood. His hair was colored deep blue. Between the motorcycle and the driver, it was difficult not to take notice.

Ralph Aufmann, of Franklin Park, almost skipped the car show. He knew his replica 1934 Ford would stay dry inside the dome, but he was worried the rain might start falling during the commute.

He’s owned his fiberglass car for three years. It’s only been in the rain three times. One of those times, the electric doors malfunctioned. Thankfully, the window was open, and he was able get inside.

Aufmann also dressed the part. He wore a purple undershirt and gray sweatshirt on Saturday. It was no coincidence that his attire matched the gray hot rod with purple pinstripes. He admitted his car isn’t perfect. The gearing is less than ideal for highway driving, but he didn’t seem to mind.

“I’m 72 years old. Where the hell am I going?” he said.