EVANSTON — Evanston’s downtown was packed with people on Saturday, July 21, as the Evanston Car Show and Evanston’s 10th annual Brew Fest drew locals and visitors alike to the area. Event organizers said thousands of folks took advantage of all the day had to offer.

Main Street was closed to traffic from 7th Street to Harrison Drive as craft and food vendors, games, contests, auctions, musicians and, of course, classic cars and other vehicles filled the streets for the Evanston Car Show.

Event organizer Jonny Pentz said the show was a huge success. Pentz said the Home Run for a Cure Cancer auction that took place during the event raised more than $2,000 to help cancer patients.

The day included a pin-up model contest, live music and visits from some classic car legends, including Ilene Roth of Rat Fink and hot rod artist Gene Chambers. The festivities also included a showing of “American Graffiti” in the renovated Strand Theatre, which Pentz said was the first full movie shown in the Strand since it was destroyed by fire in May 2007.

Pentz said planning was already underway for next year’s car show, which is “growing at an incredible rate.” He said event sponsors and volunteers have been invaluable in the event’s success.

Across the street in Depot Square the 10th annual Brew Fest had more than 1200 people on the lawn enjoying beer samplings and the music of “Natural Causes.” Nearly two dozen brewers offered attendees samples of their brews and the band had many dancing on the lawn.

Urban Renewal Coordinator Jane Law said the Brew Fest was also a great success. “Everything ran smoothly, folks had a good time, they appreciate the work that goes into the event, it’s just a great day.”

Law said having the car show happening on the same day as Brew Fest provided opportunities for adults and families to get out and enjoy downtown Evanston. “I think there is a draw for the car show and a draw for the Brew Fest, and a good number of folks enjoy both events. I believe they complement each other well.”

She is particularly pleased the car show took place on Main Street and said, “Good things are happening downtown.”

The Brew Fest and Evanston Car Show were wrapped up by 5 p.m., but other downtown businesses kept the day going with a Main Street After-Party hosted by Kate’s, featuring live music.

The events had downtown specifically and the community in general busy for the weekend. Law said she was told local hotels were full and businesses kept busy. “I heard the race track was packed on Sunday,” she said. Travis Martinez, owner of Suds Bros., described the day as “crazy” and “great for business,” while Rachel Reifon, owner of Kate’s, said it was a “perfect day.”