The 2018 Chicago Auto Show is in full swing at McCormick Place. It started last Saturday and runs through Monday, February 19.

The Chicago Auto Show has a long and rich history, dating back to 1901. It is the largest auto show and has been held more times than any auto show in the country. This year will be the 110^th Chicago Auto Show. More than 1,000 vehicles are on display across 1 million square feet of McCormick Place.

Since I am in the early stages of car shopping, the timing is perfect. I got to test and inspect several cars in one day at the show. Of course, I also took the opportunity to check out some luxury vehicles, just for fun!

The Batmobile, a few old Chicago Police cruisers and some other unique vehicles were there, and the crowds around them proved they were getting a lot of attention. The 1955 Ford Beatnik Bubbletop, with its low-set body, left me wondering how it even navigated the roads.

Along with the vehicles, there are several celebrity appearances. I had the pleasure of talking to Chicago Blackhawks Hall of Famer Bobby Hull and Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. I even swapped travel stories with the sports radio WSCR’s crew, broadcasting live Saturday.

Often overlooked is the charitable aspect of the event. Through the Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity, more than $48 million has been raised for Chicago charities in the last 26 years.

I’m not even a “car guy,” and I thoroughly enjoyed the Auto Show and will be going back this weekend.

— John Wroblewski, online contributor