Events: Chicago Auto Show

Let the Good Times Roll

Tested: 2/7/2007 to 2/8/2007

JeepCourse

If you had told me a few years ago that I would be encouraging my friends and neighbors to go to their local auto show, I would have called you looney! But here I am encouraging you my virtual friends along with my non-cyber friends to add, “visit the auto show” to their list of fun, family friendly activities.

The Chicago Auto Show is one of the country’s premier auto events. This year, like usual, many car manufacturers use the Chicago show to make announcements about their vehicles or programs that they offer. This auto-world-insider stuff usually makes me tune out as a consumer and is the main reason I never considered auto shows to be family fodder. I must say that my impression of that being the only thing that happens at an auto show has changed dramatically.

Inside the 99th annual Chicago Auto Show, there is a little something for everyone. I find myself taking a ride with a professional driver demonstrating how the traction control system works in the Chrysler 300 and right next to that, I can either ride around a worksite in a Dodge truck or climb a mountain in a Jeep, all within the walls of McCormick Place, Chicago’s convention center. A special kids section lets kids test mini-jeeps (you know the ones your kids beg for every chance they get) on their own pint-sized course. Then I get a good dose of tire safety information and a free tire gauge over at the Bridgestone booth. Next up a visit with the folks at OnStar, I leave their area with a better appreciation of the amazing technology behind their product. My inner car-enthusiast is intrigued by some of the more exotic cars that are on display, but my practical self really enjoys just perusing the aisles looking at all the current cars and their family-friendly features. Not a bad way to spend a very frigid day in Chicago!

Of course, the main attraction at any auto show is the collection of current cars. For someone looking to buy a new car, this is a great opportunity to check out the interiors and kick the tires without pressure at the dealership. There are friendly manufacturer reps around to answer questions and there are always gorgeous brochures available to take home and drool over later (OK, maybe I am the only one who drools over car brochures). For those who need an activity to do with their family, the show offers kids the chance to crawl in and out of as many cars as they can. There is enough variety to keep them very entertained no matter what their age. Did I mention food? Like any convention worth its salt, there is always a good selection of junky food available while we walk around. My kids are putty after such activities and you know what that means: yeah, some quiet time for mom later!

For more information about the Chicago Auto Show visit http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/ and for a listing of auto shows in North America visit Cars.com.