Crowds gather for final day of Chicago Auto Show

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The last beeping sounds of the year echoed Sunday afternoon at the Chicago Auto Show as a rush of people made their way inside to see over one million square feet of all kinds of vehicles.

PHOTOS: 2016 Chicago Auto Show

Over the past week, thousands have made their way through the displays.

"This show is for the consumers, so if they're going to be in the market soon or in the next year, they want to see vehicles they can afford and check them out and look at the safety, the technology - and how gorgeous they all are. Everybody makes beautiful cars now," said Colin Wickstrom, Chicago Auto Show chairman.

Some shiny new buses are in the building, but they have a different purpose - they are part of the Heartland Blood Drive, at the show for the second year in a row. So far in 2016 they're breaking records, collecting 1,100 donations at the Auto Show.

Finding people to roll up their sleeves and donate is personal for Shelley Mitchell, who list her sister to Sickle Cell Disease.

"You're here, it's going to take 30-35 minutes of your time and you're going to save three lives," Mitchell says.

They've had such a warm welcome at the Auto Show, the group plans return in 2017.

Attendees can also vote for their favorite vehicle for a chance to win a Buick Encore. Votes can be cast in-person at the show or on the Chicago Auto Show app. Choose "Best in Show" to vote.

Leaders include the Lexus LC 500 for Best All New Production Car, Buic Avista for Best Concept and Chevy Volt for Best Green Car.

See more of ABC7's coverage of the Chicago Auto Show here.