Chicago Auto Show returning after coronavirus-forced hiatus

The Chicago Auto Show is returning in July, the first major convention planned in the city since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (D) made the announcement on Tuesday, saying the auto show will take place July 15-19 at the McCormick Place Convention Center.

“While this marks the first large convention to take place since the COVID-19 pandemic began, we expect to welcome other conventions and tourist events this summer with safety precautions. See you there,” Lightfoot wrote in a tweet.

The @ChiAutoShow is back July 15-19 at @McCormick_Place.

While this marks the first large convention to take place since the COVID-19 pandemic began, we expect to welcome other conventions and tourist events this summer with safety precautions.

See you there. #OpenChicago pic.twitter.com/w4TfLx9GDY

— Mayor Lori Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) May 4, 2021

The event, first held in 1901, is the nation’s largest and longest-running auto show. It will be held indoors and outdoors for the first time as organizers work to incorporate several safety features. The show is typically held in February, with the last one taking place in early 2020, before pandemic cancellations.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) spoke at a press conference alongside Lightfoot, saying the auto show sets the stage for the return of big events this summer and urging citizens to get vaccinated. 

WATCH NOW: Mayor Lightfoot joins Gov. Pritzker and community leaders at McCormick Place to provide an update on Chicago’s reopening efforts. #OpenChicago https://t.co/leL3tNHGhh

— Mayor Lori Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) May 4, 2021

Lightfoot added that she expects the city will fully reopen by July 4.

This comes as the city has announced the lifting of several pandemic restrictions, including allowing a limited number of people in sports stadiums and restaurants and allowing some students back in school.