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2025 May Update

Kenneth Katch | Published on 5/19/2025
May 2025
So last week was mostly summer top down weather and this week is starting out like November!Fortunately the shifting weather didn't deter the 23 IJC members that participated in the I&M canal boat trip Saturday.Although there was only one top down!I'm confident summer is coming back in time for our next club outings.I hope you are making plans to join us.
This month we welcome new members Michael Goode and Craig Mussman.Be sure to welcome them at the next event you attend.
Speaking of attending events, this month it's the start of the Champagne British Car Festival on the 30th.Jaguar is the featured marque at the Festival and we want to fill the show field on June 2 with Jaguars so please plan to attend.I'm getting a list of Jaguar participants so if you'd like to drive down with companions let me know and I'll tell you who's coming from your neighborhood.
Next month we have the Rally to Yerkes Observatory on June 14.Tickets are selling out quickly so register soon.
On June 7 we have a very important Concours Judges Training.Our current judges certifications are expired so we must conduct a training session.I would highly recommend that those who have a passion for Jaguars become certified judges.It's a great way to expand your Jaguar knowledge and support the club.
I hope to see all of you at an event this year,
Ken
Yerkes observatory
Our next event is a rally to the Yerkes Observatory with lunch at Pier 290 in Lake Geneva.The rally will be a gimmick rally to test your powers of observation and not your ability to hit time, speed, and distance.The observatory has great historical significance and the tour is fascinating.Tickets for the tour sell out quickly and we only have a few IJC secured tickets left so don't delay register now!
CBCF25
The Champagne British Car Festival is held on the grounds of the historic David Davis Mansion in Bloomington, IL.The dates are May 30-June 2.There is a drive on Saturday, dinner with a guest speaker from a restoration shop, and then the show on Sunday.It is always a wonderful event with 150+ British Cars.This years featured marque is Jaguar so get yours spiffed up and come to Bloomington.

Drive to the I&M Canal Boat Tour

Launching from Geneva the club had a pleasant backroads drive to LaSalle and the I&M Canal visitors center.We found our way to the packet boat and after an introduction by our captain and meeting Larry, our mule power, we boarded for more history and a boat ride on the canal.


Unfortunately some of us must have had a hearty breakfast at Buttermilk as we soon ran aground.The captain quickly took action by shifting some passengers to one side of the boat but still no float!Then a few hardy souls leaped ashore to lighten the load with some even helping Larry to pull (he thank you Rick!) and we were on our way.The history lesson continued and we learned about the Irish laborers (some forced) how the canal drove Illinois to become a state, and how long Chicago has been sh*&$!g on downstate.
After fighting the wind to get back to the dock we moved to the Uptown Grill in LaSalle for an excellent lunch.It was great to see such a big turnout and the number of new members attending.Thank you Glenn and Jan for taking Mike's idea from last year and making it happen.
Current Event Calendar
May 30-June 1 Champagne British Car Festival, Bloomington, IL
June 7 IJC Concours Judge Training and Recertification
June 14 Gimmick Rally to Yerkes Observatory
July 12-13 Mad Dog & Englishmen at the Gilmore
July 26 IJC Concours
Aug 2 Quad City British Auto Fest, LeClaire, IA
Aug 24 Geneva Concours
Sept 7 British Car Union Auto Festival
Sept 27 WW II Re-enactment, Rockford
Oct11-12 Fall Drive to Galena Area
Dec 13 IJC Holiday Party

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