This is one of the oldest Corvette shows in the US. When someone mentions Bloomington, they mean the Corvette show that started in Bloomington, IL at the McLean County Fairgrounds in 1973 as a club event. The show quickly grew to be the largest Corvette show in the country and became a commercial operation. In 1992, the show moved to Springfield, IL to the State Fairgrounds, where it stayed until 1997 when it moved back to Bloomington at the Interstate Center. In 2002, the show moved again to St. Charles, IL to the Pheasant Run Country Club where the cars are displayed on the golf course greens.
Interestingly, both previous sites were on what was Route 66, furthering the association between Corvettes and Route 66. Bloomington Gold is held on the last weekend in June. The certifications from the show have become very important to Corvette owners interested in original or restored cars, as the awarding of a Gold or Silver certificate can greatly increase the value of the Corvette. The swap meet has traditionally been described as "if you can't find the part there, it doesn't exist".
