Memorial Weekend will see more than 100 classic Pontiac Trans Am cars hit the open road for the 2016 Bandit Run presented by Restore a Muscle Car (RAMC). The 10th annual Run will go through four states in America's Heartland, beginning in Sandusky, Ohio and ending in Le Claire, Iowa with an overnight stop in Pontiac, IL.

The Bandit Run originated in 2007 when RAMC owner, Dave Hall, and Trans Am enthusiast David Hershey decided to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the film "Smokey and the Bandit," by reenacting the quest to drive Coors beer from Texarkana, Texas, to Atlanta, Ga. Subsequent Bandit Runs have traversed different parts of the country in the South, Midwest and East Coast. The Run features a large number of black and gold Trans Ams like the one featured in the movie, but also Trans Ams from almost every year from 1969 - 2002. In addition to the cars, the "Snowman's Dream" truck, a replica of the rig driven in the movie by Jerry Reed, and a replica of the Buford T. Justice police car are also along for the fun.

This year's event will begin its week-long journey from beautiful Sandusky, Ohio. On June 1st (Wednesday) the stream of Pontiac Trans Ams will roll into Pontiac, Illinois where the Runners will participate in a parade through town ending in downtown at approximately 4:15 PM, where the participants will spend time visiting the sites. Beginning at 6PM at Humiston-Riverside Park a community cookout ($10 per meal) will be served by the Pontiac Kiwanis Club. At 7:30 PM, the Vermillion Players will perform their new musical revue, "Life is a Highway" at the Judy McGlasson Band Shell. The performance is free of charge and open to the public.

Everyone is invited to come downtown to welcome the Bandit Run to Pontiac. After the parade, join us for a outdoor meal and the free musical show. For more information, contact Pontiac Tourism at (815) 844-5847.