RANTOUL — The village will be transported back to a simpler time this weekend as hundreds of vehicles more than 60 years old invade the community.

The American Street Rod Association Vintage Weekend 2 runs Thursday through Sunday.

Most of the activities will be centered around the Rantoul airport. But a dinner, dance and parade are planned for Thursday afternoon and evening.

The show is open to the public.

The street rods — defined as vehicles that were made in 1948 or before — will descend on Rantoul on Thursday when registration opens at Quarters Inn.

Registrants will visit Taylor Studios for a tour about 4 p.m. Thursday.

The public can get a bird's-eye view of some of the cars during a cruise through town that starts between 5:15 and 5:30 p.m. Other local car owners are also welcome to join in and follow the street rods in the parade.

From Taylor Studios, the cars will cruise west on U.S. 136 to Grove Avenue.

The remainder of the cruise route includes:

— Grove Avenue west to East Avenue.

— South on East Avenue to Glenwood Drive.

— East on Glenwood to Baermann Drive.

— North on Baermann Drive to Grove Avenue.

— East on Kentucky Avenue to Sangamon Avenue.

— East on Sangamon to T&T Tavern, corner of Sangamon and Century Boulevard, featuring a mini car show, band, food and beverages and a volunteer appreciation event.

New this year — Big H Amusements will offer carnival rides.

"There was some concern last year there wasn't anything for littler kids," said Steve Hancock event coordinator and member of the ASRA board.

Of interest to all ages are a slot and wing radio-controlled car and plane demonstrations Friday through Sunday, sponsored by Slot and Wing Hobby, Champaign. Plane, helicopter and car demonstrations will be presented.

Barnstormer Ted Davis from Biplane Rides of America will be on hand Friday through Sunday to exhibit his acrobatic craft. In addition to his stunts on the biplane, he will sell rides. Hancock said drawings will also be held for four free rides.

Also on hand will be a 1932 Ford Bonneville Salt Flats car owned by Chip Gerber.

"We're just coming off the Salt Flats running," Hancock said. "The car is out there now," he said last week.

The number of cars on display at this year's show will range from 400 to 700, according to Hancock.

"If the weather's there, we should have considerably more cars than last year," he said.

While having the car show the same weekend as University of Illinois homecoming presents a problem for participants finding motel rooms, ASRA officials are hoping to take advantage of the extra people visiting the area. They hope to draw them to the car show.

"I think we've got a full venue for the whole family, even if you're not into cars," he said. "There will be plenty to eat and band entertainment on Saturday with the Caleb Cook Band."