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Chicago Tribune
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Sweet animals, weather combine to boost turnout at La Grange Pet Parade
The theme for the 79th edition of the La Grange Pet Parade Saturday was 'One Sweet Day,' and it certainly was for the thousands that packed downtown La Grange to watch and enjoy the 120 entrants under sunny skies and temperatures that were just right. 'We've had more people register in the pets and owner costume contest than we've had in the last many years,' said Erin McPartlin, Pet Parade board chairperson. 'So we are just flooded with all these dogs and their trainers and their costumes. It is quite incredible here.' The parade began in 1947 as a project of the La Grange Chamber of Commerce, whose president, Ed Breen, owner of Breen's Cleaners, had the idea to create an event that would feature the village's children and family pets. The parade grew over the years to include entrees from local businesses, schools, and nonprofit organizations. This year's parade was televised by WGN-TV. Since the 1990s, the parade has been televised over local cable access on LTTV, the Lyons Township High School television station. Ed Breen's son Bob is chairman emeritus of the Pet Parade. He has attended every parade from the beginning, but this one would be his last, he said. 'One more year,' he said before the event, pointing out that his grandfather founded Breen's Cleaners in 1920. 'I feel great,' he said. 'The weather's great and I think everything will be great. Last year it rained and there were still people here … and they didn't leave right away.' Unlike last year, when a few entrants dropped out because of the weather, this year every entrant showed up. 'We usually have about 120 group entrants and we have that again this year,' said Molly Price, executive director of the parade. 'For the second year we have moved the costume contest in front of Village Hall. We have high school volunteers doing the judging and then they walk with the people in the parade.' The parade was led by the Color Honor Guard from American Legion Coulter Post 1941, followed by the Great Lakes Navy Band playing 'Anchors Away.' A contingent of antique Model A vehicles led the way for a procession of different area government entities. Fox 32 Chicago News anchor Scott Schneider did double duty, interviewing people before the parade and serving as grand marshall, riding in a Rolls Royce through the downtown area. Fiona Kennedy was the Junior Grand Marshal, an honor bestowed on her after winning a coloring contest sponsored by the La Grange Art League. St. Francis Xavier School student Monica Derus won first place in the children's costume division, with a 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' themed out fit and her guinea pig named Piggy Stardust. 'He's just a really sweet animal and he's such a treat to be with. We decided to do Willy Wonka,' she said. 'This is my second year doing this and we got him two years ago.' Area police departments and fire departments were followed by La Grange and La Grange Park village officials, including the La Grange Park District, and the La Grange and La Grange Park public libraries. Also marching were government officials from nearby municipalities like Countryside, Hodgkins, and the Township of Lyons. The business community was well-represented by the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce, the La Grange Business Association, and various restaurants and other businesses. Area schools were represented by marching bands, including Lyons Township High School, Nazareth Academy, School District 105 and Park Junior High. And as usual, the World Famous Arcola Lawn Rangers wielded their lawn mowers in precision with brooms attached signifying the Arcola's claim to being the broom corn capital of the world. After the parade, Molly Price said the event turned out as well. 'Since we had the rain last year, it was just amazing to have the sunshine, and the crowds had an amazing energy,' she said. 'We got a few more costume contest people and it's good that it's growing and growing again. It's important for us to remember the original basis of the parade, which was dressing up with your pets.' Price also stressed the importance of the volunteers. 'Many of them come year after year,' she said. 'It makes the parade run smoothly. Their commitment is amazing.'
The Drive
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
This Old Ford Model A Rat Rod Is Actually a Polaris RZR
The latest car news, reviews, and features. It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, which means it's also too quiet. Time to disturb the peace with another Polaris RZR body swap. This one will make Henry Ford roll over in his grave…and try to hop into the driver's seat. The RZR is the sport segment's most popular side-by-side that, well, often finds itself on its side—or rolling down a hill, or crunched against a tree. People get carried away, y'know. Enterprising builders know an opportunity when it wrecks itself: for example, a crashed Polaris became the donor for this off-roading Honda Fit. And now we've got another ruined RZR fitted into a Ford Model A. In part one of a currently 13-part series, Papa Wheelie rescues a 1929 Model A from his uncle's property, where it had been parked for an extended period. Although he doesn't specify how long the green machine was sitting, a photo shows the vehicle in a covered garage, itself partially covered by haphazardly placed items, such as a warehouse store-sized container of cat litter. Sigh. That's okay, though. He really just needed the sheet metal; its heart and soul comes courtesy of a 2016 Polaris RZR Turbo that was rolled by 'a friend of a friend.' Gee, some friend. 'Many of you will say, 'Hey, that's pretty stupid that you're doing that,'' Mr. Wheelie says at the intro video's 1:25 mark. 'But my idea of hot rodding is you take what you have.' And what he had was a neglected Ford and a rolled RZR. That first video was posted in January of 2022. Twelve updates and three-ish years later, the pieces are finally in place. Or at least fit together enough for a first test drive. The finished Model A 'pre-runner' now boasts a different look from its derelict beginnings. Featuring splashy teal and black paint, the Model A is also without its sidemounted spare tire, has a chopped profile, and wears whitewall tires wrapped around steelies. The vehicle was also made street legal with working headlights, taillights, turn signals, and a registered license plate. But when hitting the streets, your senses will be confused. 'I heard it coming down the road,' said a friend. 'I'm, like, who is showing up in a motorcycle?' He wasn't the only one flabbergasted. During the maiden voyage, Papa Wheelie ends up driving behind local law enforcement (4:00). After a while, the patrol unit pulls over to let him pass, but, to Wheelie's surprise, doesn't follow. Because, no, vintage Fords aren't supposed to sound like that. But who cares? Everyone who drives and rides Papa Wheelie's 'Model rAzR' comes back wearing the biggest grin their face can muster. Yes, especially the kids. The project isn't over yet, but it's certainly closer than it's ever been. The team still has to make tweaks to the hand controls and gauges. The overly squealy tires will also be replaced with a staggered-sized set of 32-inch ('maybe 30s?') high-performance ITP Coyote treads fitted onto Vision wheels. The next video will feature a comparo test between the vehicle's low-riding hot rod stance and the jacked suspension off-roader. The Model A was a favorite of gangsters and hot rodders. This Polaris-based version would probably get a thumbs up just the same. As for the Father of the Assembly Line, would he really be upset over one of his creations still enjoying life nearly a century later?
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Antiques: Locking up the ol' Model T
To call Palm Springs a "car town" is hardly a misnomer. For years, classic and exotic cars have been hot commodities throughout the Coachella Valley. Vintage auto dealerships thrive here, car shows are frequent and giant locally hosted vehicle auctions attract bidders from around the globe. And, of course, with all that come some issues. Catalytic converter thefts have increased by triple digits over the last few years, and several hundred cars per year are swiped off Palm Springs streets. No doubt the valley-wide numbers are even higher. Still, it's hardly a new problem. Anti-theft devices date back to the Model-T days, and it just so happens we now have a couple of those in stock. Let's do some remembering. It's entirely possible, maybe even likely, that someone in your family tree owned a Model T. Introduced in 1908 by the visionary if controversial Henry Ford, his idea was to provide reliable motorized transportation to the masses. In 1909, a Model T was priced at $825, but six years later economies of scale had brought that down to a remarkable $260 (about $4,700 in today's terms). Not surprisingly, it was a huge success. More than 15 million were sold over the years, making it the bestselling car of all time until Volkswagen knocked it off the top spot in 1972. By 1928, competitors to the Model T were closing in, so Ford did it again by introducing the Model A. That car offered a much wider series of options at a range of price points, and by 1932 nearly five million had been sold. It also pioneered many new features that became standard equipment over the years, including such things as rear view mirrors and safety glass windshields. Despite the ubiquity of both the Model A and T, or perhaps because of it, auto theft was an early concern. To combat the crime, security companies developed auto boots that affixed to the car's wheels and prevented movement. These were sturdy affairs made of steel and locked into place with a key — very much like those used today. Most included a small brass plaque trumpeting the manufacturer's name and other information. Because the Model T was often a buyer's very first car, he or she would become very attached to it, adding a range of aftermarket accessories to personalize their ownership. And purchasing an auto boot was thought to be a good way to secure their investment. While not the most charming of automobile collectibles, early auto boots like those pictured here certainly anticipated the wave of car thefts to come. Back then, the problem was a fraction of what it is today but the impulse to keep one's car safe was just as relatable. And insofar as more than 50,000 Model Ts are still on the road (some estimates are as high as 100,000), perhaps these old auto boots still have some utility left in them. You might even need one yourself. Mike Rivkin and his wife, Linda, are long-time residents of Rancho Mirage. For many years, he was an award-winning catalogue publisher and has authored seven books, along with countless articles. Now, he's the owner of Antique Galleries of Palm Springs. His antiques column appears Sundays in The Desert Sun. Want to send Mike a question about antiques? Drop him a line at info@ This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Antiques: Locking up the ol' Model T
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
25% Tariffs on Imported Cars, Parts Expected to Make New-Car Prices Rise
Tariffs of 25 percent are set to be levied against cars and parts imported into the U.S. as of April 3, President Trump announced today, March 26. Automakers are warning that the result will be increased consumer costs and fewer vehicles built. The complexity of the parts supply chain means the immediate effects of the tariffs are hard to judge. Having previously paused impending tariffs, the White House has now announced that a 25 percent tariff will be applied to all vehicles and auto parts imported into the United States. The tariffs are set to go into effect April 3, and shock waves are already rippling out through the automotive sector. At the present time, roughly half the vehicles sold in the us are imported, including cars sold by the domestic big three of General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis that are manufactured in Mexico and Canada. Even larger is the reach of the auto supply chain, where cars assembled in the U.S. rely on parts suppliers from outside the country. Henry Ford may have wished to have complete control over everything that went into a Model A to the point of establishing a rubber-harvesting town in Brazil— spoiler, it didn't work out—but the parts that go into building an Explorer in Chicago come from all over. The immediate net effect of the tariffs will be more expensive vehicles in showrooms. Shares in automakers fell as the news reached the stock market. Just=in=time manufacturing and thin profit margins stand to be disrupted by increased costs, and the automotive supply chain is a complex system that can't react quickly. That complexity means it's difficult to judge exactly how much new-car prices will rise because of the tariffs. Parts that originate in the U.S. and are used to manufacture a car in Canada or Mexico don't fall under these new tariffs. Thus, a Tacoma built in Mexico or a Civic assembled in Ontario might not simply be 25 percent more expensive, but only be tariffed on the percentage of parts that are of non-U.S. manufacture. The president of the United Auto Workers union, Shawn Fain, praised the move. Theoretically, more U.S. factories building cars and parts to be sold in the U.S. employ more U.S. workers. But those factories still have to be built, and in the short term, there's a considerable shock to the system that could affect resource allocation for R&D and development. Then there's the further issue of reciprocal tariffs from other countries. Stung by reduced demand for auto sector products, Mexico, Canada, and the U.K. and EU have already begun enacting tariffs on U.S. products from various sectors. The 25 percent tariff on light-truck imports that still exists from the 1960s is basically a niche issue these days; enacting that tariff on some Mexico-built Silverados is going to cause major pain. Having already once paused tariffs, it remains to be seen what President Trump's administration will do now, as the market reacts to these tariffs. There's already a brief reprieve for auto parts coming into the U.S., as some are of original U.S. origin: parts can be manufactured in the United States, cross the border into Canada or Mexico for polishing or other work, then be sent back into the U.S. for final assembly. The immediate forecast is for considerable chaos, with the long-term results as yet unknown. Certainly there will be some automotive executives having sleepless nights over the next while. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
This Flying Car Prototype Soars Over a Stopped Car
New videos from Alef Aeronautics show the company's flying car initially driving like a road vehicle, then taking off into a flight that takes it over another vehicle in a simulation of a blocked traffic scenario. The model shown in the demos is the Alef Model Zero Ultralight which, as the name suggests, is a lighter prototype used for research and development. It has some key differences from the company's first production vehicle, the Alef Model A. While the Model Zero Ultralight has a smaller battery to keep its weight down, the larger battery in Alef's Model A is expected to have a flight range of 110 miles or a driving range of 200 miles. Those numbers may increase if the company adopts new battery technology. Thinner and smaller wheels than a traditional car also help reduce the vehicle's weight while allowing it to drive in various conditions. While the Model Zero Ultralight requires an experienced test pilot right now, Alef CEO and co-founder Jim Dukhovny says the Model A will be much easier for an average person to fly. The optimal cruise speed in the air for the Model A is expected to be about 100mph, with the top speed predicted to be about 225mph. On the ground, the car is currently registered as a low-speed vehicle for research and development purposes, which means it is limited to about 25mph top speed. Dukhovny says higher ground speed is possible and the eventual goal; it just requires crash testing and regulatory approval. Until then, the company is not yet ready to crash its prototype. Alef is accepting preorders for its Model A, which is expected to cost around $300,000. Like most startups, the price will likely decrease as production scales up. To see this flying car in action, check out the video in this article.
