Revving it up

SYCAMORE – When Ryan Gilleland was a young boy, he remembers excitedly attending car shows with his family every summer.

Now 38 years old with a newborn son of his own, Gilleland hasn’t lost his passion for cars. Gilleland is the executive manager of DeKalb-Sycamore Chevrolet GMC Cadillac and he has helped plan and organize the Pre-Party Car Show, part of the 17th annual Turning Back Time Weekend in Sycamore.

The festivities kick off with the Kishwaukee Fest Pre-parade Cruise to downtown DeKalb from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday. The Pre-Party Car Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 30, at DeKalb-Sycamore Chevrolet GMC Cadillac, 1925 Mercantile Drive in Sycamore. No pre-registration is necessary, with registration beginning at 7 a.m. The show will include a hog roast, dyno machine and music by DJ Dave.

Events continue on Saturday with the Kishwaukee Fest Vette Fest in VanBuer Plaza in DeKalb starting at 10 a.m. and the Sycamore Chamber Cruise Night and Street Dance from 3 to 11 p.m.

The 17th annual Fizz Ehrler Memorial Turning Back Time Car Show will be held from 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. More than 1,000 cars will line the streets of downtown Sycamore for the car show, which will include antique, vintage and custom cars and motorcycles.

Gilleland spoke to MidWeek reporter Katrina Milton about his love of cars and cruise nights and this weekend’s planned festivities for the 17th annual Turning Back Time Weekend.

Milton: Have you always loved cars?

Gilleland: Cars are my passion. I love customized and classic cars. Growing up, my family always had cars, we went to car dealerships. I remember going to car shows every year and looking forward to them. Now I work with cars, I’m the executive manager of DeKalb-Sycamore Chevrolet GMC Cadillac.

Milton: Can you tell me more about the Pre-Party Car Show?

Gilleland: It’s our third annual show, held as part of the big car show in downtown Sycamore. Our event is free to attend, with free admission and free food. The only charge is if you want your car to be tested using the dyno machine. We will have new Corvettes and Camaros, and people will bring their classic and antique cars. Last year, we had more than 130 cars, and we hope to grow bigger and better each year.

Milton: Can you tell me more about the other events during the 17th annual Turning Back Time Weekend?

Gilleland: On Friday, there will be a cruise night to downtown DeKalb. The car show in downtown Sycamore will take place on Sunday. Our Pre-Party Car Show is a little different than the main show, because we have no awards. Instead, we have free food and a DJ. It’s a fun, laid back event where people can gather before the event on Sunday.

Milton: What is a dyno machine?

Gilleland: A dyno machine is a portable machine that tests horsepower in cars. With the machine, we can judge a car’s horsepower and see how it compares against other cars.

Milton: Where does the money raised from the Pre-Party Car Show go?

Gilleland: Money raised from the event goes to a couple different charities, including the AFFI (Associated Firefighters of Illinois) Warrior Program, which helps give a wounded veteran a truck. Firefighters will be donating a truck, and we will be putting funds toward that project. The DeKalb High School Marching Band will be selling T-shirts, and all proceeds from their sales will go toward their upcoming trip to Ireland.

Milton: What do you think is unique and special about car shows?

Gilleland: I’ve always been passionate about cars, and it’s why I’m in the car business. I think that shows like this allow businesses and sponsors to give back to the community. It lets people show off all their cars’ customization and body work. Kids come out and see the cars, and they love them. The owners of the cars are there, so they can talk and explain. We’re going to have a whole weekend of cars and car shows. It will bring people to town and let them see what Sycamore has to offer.