The 2024 Buick Encore GX: A Premium Small SUV

If you're looking for one of the best Central Illinois car shows this fall, mark your calendar for Saturday, Sept. 27. Baum Chevrolet Buick will host the 20th Annual Scott's Charity Car Show, bringing together hundreds of classic cars, trucks, Jeeps, Corvettes, street rods, and custom vehicles—all while raising money for an important DeWitt, Macon, & DeWitt County community project. Held at Baum Chevrolet Buick in Clinton, the annual event has become a favorite tradition for car enthusiasts and families alike. More than 250 vehicles participated last year, and we expect another outstanding turnout in 2026! Every Registration Helps Local 4-H Youth This year's Scott's Charity Car Show will benefit the DeWitt County 4-H Fair Association's arena covering project, helping provide improved facilities for local youth, agriculture, and community events. The planned 80-foot by 160-foot covered arena will: Protect poultry and rabbit exhibits during the annual fair. Provide a covered riding arena for horse shows. Expand opportunities for 4-H members and youth organizations throughout the year. Improve the fairgrounds for future generations. The DeWitt County 4-H Fair Association maintains the fairgrounds at 7564 Business 51 in Clinton, home to the annual DeWitt, Macon & Piatt County 4-H Fair and numerous livestock and horse shows. The project has been a goal of the fair board since the early 2000s and carries special significance for the Baum family. Stephen Baum was volunteering in the arena that will soon be covered when he unexpectedly passed away in 2003. Today, the fair board is working to raise the final $80,000 needed to complete the approximately $200,000 project, with construction expected this fall. Car Show Schedule The event takes place at: Baum Chevrolet Buick 810 W. Van Buren Street Clinton, IL 61727 Schedule 9:00 a.m. to 11 a.m. - Registration open 11:00 a.m. - Registration closes, Judging begins 12:00 p.m. - Opening ceremony 2:00 p.m. - Judging closes 2:30 p.m. - Awards presentation Vehicle registration is $15, and admission is free for spectators. Food vendors will be on-site throughout the day, and guests can ride the free shuttle to the DeWitt County C.H. Moore Museum's Apple and Pork Festival, making it easy to enjoy two great Clinton events during one visit. Enter to Win a Restored 1959 Nash Metropolitan In addition to the car show, attendees can support the arena project by purchasing raffle tickets for: A beautifully restored 1959 Nash Metropolitan styled as a vintage Chicago taxi (first prize) A meat and freezer bundle (second prize) Tickets are $10 each or 11 for $100 and are available before the event at Baum Chevrolet Buick, Baum Chrysler Jeep in Clinton, and Baum Motor Company in Farmer City. Easy Driving Directions Baum Chevrolet Buick is conveniently located just minutes from Interstate 55. From Bloomington-Normal: Take I-74 East to I-55 South. Exit at Clinton (Exit 165), then follow IL-54/Van Buren Street west to 810 W. Van Buren Street. From Decatur: Take US-51 North into Clinton. Turn west on Van Buren Street (IL-54) and continue to Baum Chevrolet Buick. From Champaign-Urbana: Take I-74 West to I-72 West, then I-55 South to Clinton. Exit onto IL-54/Van Buren Street and continue west to the dealership. Join Us for Cars, Community and a Great Cause Whether you're entering your favorite vehicle, browsing hundreds of classics, enjoying great food, or trying your luck in the raffle, Scott's Charity Car Show is a fun way to support local youth and agriculture. Every registration, raffle ticket and donation helps move the DeWitt County 4-H Fair Association one step closer to completing its new covered arena—a project that will benefit the community for decades to come. Questions about the event? Call Baum Chevrolet Buick at 217-935-3156. We look forward to seeing you Sept. 27!

Join the Baum Chevrolet Buick staff for a free cookout to celebrate the first weekend of Summer on June 19! Stop in from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a bite to eat and sign up for one of three prize packs! We’ll be offering tours and test drives of the entire Chevy & Buick lineup! The fun continues Saturday and Monday as we welcome summer with a drawing* for three great prize packs. You'll have a chance to win one of the following prizes: - 2 Lifetime 10’ kayaks, 2 JBL Clip 5 speakers, 2 beach towels - Americana folding chair, Yeti Hopper M30 Cooler Bag, Jackery Explorer 300, American flag pillow, Citronella candle, and outdoor folding side table; OR - Weber Compact Grill, Weber 3-Piece Tool set, Travel LP gas, and $100 Save A Lot gift card. *Drawing will be held Monday, June 22. No purchase necessary, and you need not be present to win. See store for full details and eligibility.

Central Illinois may be home to the United States’ best and richest farmland, premier higher education (GO ILLINI!), and most delicious cheeseburgers ( Krekels, anyone?) but it’s also home to some fantastic Midwest boating destinations. Whether you’re planning a weekend fishing trip, watersports getaway, or family camping adventure, grab your Chevy Silverado and plan your visit to one of these great destinations within easy towing distance of Clinton. 1. Clinton Lake Distance from Clinton, IL: Approximately 5 miles If you live in Clinton or are visiting the area, this is the obvious first stop — and for good reason. Clinton Lake is one of Illinois’ premier boating and fishing destinations, known for its warm-water fishery and large recreational footprint. The lake’s proximity to Champaign and Bloomington also makes it a regional destination for fishing tournaments like the Clinton Lake Bass Fishing / Jackpot Team Trail and Illinois Collegiate Rowing Invitational. (Baum Chevrolet Buick is a proud supporter of both Illini Rowing and the Jackpot Team Trail!) Features: Largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie fishing Public boat ramps and marina access Popular for wakeboarding, tubing, and pontoon cruising Public beach area Close to the IL Rt. 54 corridor for easy trailer access 2. Lake Shelbyville Distance from Clinton, IL: Approximately 65 miles Often called the “Boating Capital of Central Illinois,” Lake Shelbyville is one of the largest and most versatile recreational lakes in the state. Lake Shelbyville is especially popular with Chicago-area boaters. Its family recreation options make it ideal for weekend trips. Features: More than 11,000 acres of water Multiple marinas and full-service campgrounds Sailing, jet skiing, wake surfing, and fishing Access to the General Dacey Trail Close to Effingham dining and fueling options, and Interstate 57 3. Evergreen Lake Distance from Clinton, IL: Approximately 50 miles Located north of Bloomington in rural Hudson, IL, Evergreen Lake is known for scenic shoreline views and quiet boating conditions, limiting motors to 10 HP. It is approximately 925 acres and is also a great place for kayaking and paddleboarding. Features: Excellent muskie and walleye fishing Less crowded than larger Illinois lakes Non-motorized watersports opportunities COMLARA Park nearby for camping options Access to dining and other lodging options in nearby Bloomington-Normal metro 4. Lake Decatur Distance from Clinton, IL: Approximately 35 miles Lake Decatur combines boating convenience with city amenities, making it a favorite quick-trip destination. It was built in 1922, and a dredging project to increase depth of key parts of the lake was completed in 2018. White bass, crappie and walleye are all rated excellent for availability and size. Features: Waterfront dining options Sailing clubs and boat races Easy access from Interstate 72 Nearby attractions including the Scovill Zoo and Devon Lakeshore Amphitheatre Great launch facilities for day trips 5. Dawson Lake at Moraine View State Recreation Area Distance from Clinton, IL: Approximately 38 miles The 158-acre Dawson lake in the Moraine View State Recreation Area is beautiful, convenient, and accessible to small boats under 10 hp or less for relaxation and recreation. It is surrounded by fully developed facilities for picnicking, camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, and horseback riding. Features: Minutes from Interstate 74 Regularly stocked largemouth bass, bluegill and sunfish Kayaking available Two-lane boat launching ramp Close to Bloomington/Normal for dining and lodging Choosing the Right Truck for Boat Towing: 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Max Towing Capacities by Trim If you’re hauling a boat to Clinton Lake or trailering down to Lake Shelbyville, the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 remains the truck choice for Central Illinois drivers. Depending on trim level, engine, and trailering package, the 2026 Silverado 1500 can tow up to 13,300 pounds when properly equipped. Here’s a look at the 2026 Silverado 1500 Max Trailering Capacities by trim level: As you can see, the greatest towing capacities come with the Max Trailering packages. Ask your salesperson about this configuration when truck shopping. Which Silverado Trim Is Best for Central Illinois Boat Owners? The LT and LTZ trims provide the best balance of comfort, payload, and towing performance. Choose the Duramax diesel or 6.2L V8 configurations with the Max Trailering Package for towing near the 13,300-pound limit. The Trail Boss trims with standard 20” Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires are excellent for slick boat ramps, muddy campsites, and bumpy access roads. If luxury features are a priority, choose the High Country models. They combine premium interiors with substantial towing capability for longer road trips and more creature comforts. Whether you’re launching at Clinton Lake, spending the weekend at Lake Shelbyville, or enjoying the quiet hole-in-the-wall ambiance of Dawson or Evergreen Lake, central Illinois offers outstanding boating opportunities within a short drive of Clinton. Pairing the right destination with the right tow vehicle – a properly equipped 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – can make your boating season the best it can be! Shopping for a new truck? See what's in stock now at Baum Chevrolet Buick in Clinton: All New Silverado 1500 New Silverado 1500 Trail Boss New Silverado Diesel