Grayslake Gives:
Cruisin’ on Center: Community Partnership Drives Grayslake’s Annual Car Show
Two service-focused organizations in Grayslake—the Rotary Club of Grayslake and the Grayslake & Hainesville Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 299—have come together once again to present the 4th Annual Cruisin’ on Center Grayslake Car Show. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, September 6th from 9 am – 3 pm in the historic downtown Grayslake, with Center Street closed to traffic allowing ample room for the hundreds of cars on display.
A Growing Tradition
Grayslake has long had a love for car shows. For many years, the Oasis Youth Center hosted car shows as part of its fundraising efforts. When the center experienced a decline in use by local teens and eventually closed its doors in 2019, the tradition went quiet – until it was revived in 2022 by the Rotary Club and FOP Lodge 299. Eric McNeil, a police officer with the Village of Grayslake Police Department and FOP Lodge 299 member was said to be a driving force in resurging a car show in Grayslake. And so, a great partnership begun.
That first year, FOP Lodge 299 and the Rotary Club had 140 cars registered, lining Center Street. The show then welcomed 200 cars in its second year, a little over 300 in 2024, and they are now expecting approximately 350+ cars in 2025. The streets will be lined with an incredible variety of vehicles, judged in multiple categories with trophies awarded.
But the Cruisin’ on Center Grayslake Car Show is about much more than cars—it’s about community and giving back. The event features live bands (Slam Funk & Lakes Area Swing Band), food trucks (Dog’n’Suds and Cousins Maine Lobster), and family-friendly fun for all ages. Visitors can also take part in a 50/50 raffle and bid on an assortment of raffle baskets, knowing their participation supports meaningful causes.
A Powerful Partnership
The car show is co-hosted by two organizations that each bring unique strengths to the table. By working together, they have built an event that is as impactful as it is enjoyable. The proceeds are split evenly, with 50% going to the Rotary Club of Grayslake and 50% to FOP Lodge 299, allowing both groups to continue their philanthropic work in the community and beyond.
The Rotary Club of Grayslake (founded in 2006) is part of Rotary International’s global mission of service above self. Locally, the club has provided vocational, College of Lake County (CLC) and high school scholarships, holiday meals for families, food pantry assistance, leadership opportunities through programs like RYLA, and donations to University Center at CLC. They’ve also supported Shelterbox, Polio Plus, and disaster relief including Texas flood recovery and wildfire disaster relief.
The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 299 serves both law enforcement families and is very active in assisting the local community. Funds raised through past car shows have supported Shop with a Cop, Canines 4 Comfort, annual scholarships, the 100 Club, Back to School Backpacks for Hainesville and Grayslake students, and direct assistance to local families in need.
Together, these organizations complement one another, each providing skills, resources, and expertise that help the show run smoothly. Their collaboration has truly created a special event in the Grayslake community that impacts our own residents and others in need regionally and beyond.
More Than One Way to Support – Pancake Breakfast & Heritage Center
The car show isn’t the only event happening on September 6th. The Exchange Club of Grayslake will hold its 40th Annual Pancake Breakfast at Grayslake Fire Station 1 on Hawley Street, just steps away from Center Street (7 am – 12:30 pm). Their annual fundraiser helps raise money to support local non-profit organizations that align with their service goals. They also award local students with scholarships each year.
The Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum, located directly east of the Fire Station at 164 Hawley Street, will also open early beginning at 8 am that day and close at 4 pm. Visitors to the area can enjoy breakfast, then stop by and learn about Grayslake’s rich history, and view the current exhibits on display. The Heritage Center will also have a Racing Simulator for participants to check out as part of the car show from 10 am – 4 pm.
All of these amazing offerings means visitors can experience a delicious breakfast, admire a variety of cars, listen to live music, and support four different community organizations—all in one day.
Why Your Attendance Matters
When residents and visitors come out for Cruisin’ on Center, they’re not only enjoying a vibrant community tradition (that continues to grow each year!)—they’re also making a difference. Every raffle ticket, every car entry, and every moment spent at the show helps fund programs that support families here in Grayslake and extends aid to those in need around the world.
So mark your calendars for Saturday, September 6th, bring the family, and experience a great community event here in the Village Center. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or simply looking for a fun way to give back, the Cruisin’ on Center Grayslake Car Show has something for everyone.
More Information
If you have a vehicle you would like to register, please visit https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/grayslake-rotary-club/cruisin-on-center-2025.
To learn more about this event, please visit https://crusinoncenter.com/.
For information on the Rotary Club of Grayslake, please visit https://portal.clubrunner.ca/2379 and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 299, please visit https://www.facebook.com/people/Grayslake-and-Hainesville-FOP-299/61558478415140/.
