Cars, community & competition: Mahomet Auto Fest drives enthusiasm for 15th year

MAHOMET, Ill. (WCIA) — On Sunday, people were cruising into Mahomet for one of Central Illinois’ biggest car shows.

The 15th year of the Mahomet Auto Fest brought together car enthusiasts and car show contestants to appreciate the more than 275 new and vintage rides. After handing out 45 trophies, the cars took a victory cruise around Lake of the Woods Park.

Tom Luedke, who has a 1951 Willys, said it’s not about the awards. He does it for the cars and the camaraderie.

“Sometimes you win, sometimes you don’t, but that’s really not what it’s about,” he said. “It’s fun. It’s something to do, and it’s one of the few things I do now, with being retired. So, anyway, I enjoy it.”

The Auto Fest competition has 15 classes including street rods, foreign cars and Corvettes. The event also included food trucks and music.

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