Annual classic car show in downtown Cape set for Sunday

The River Tales Classic Car Show will return to downtown Cape Girardeau on Sunday.

For $15, a participant can enter a classic car in the event along Main Street across from Hutson's Fine Furniture. For show participants, the gates will open at 8 a.m. for registration. Judging will begin at noon. The show is free to the public.

"We've always had free admission because we want to promote this as a family event," River City Rodders Club member Danny Essner said. "Port Cape is actually doing the concessions this year so there will be all kinds of food. We will be selling event T-shirts and there will be a NASCAR vendor there as well."

Visitors can expect more than 200 classic cars to be in the competition.

Mike Cracraft of Jackson will be entering his 1964 Chevy Impala in the competition. He said he inherited the vehicle from a cousin, the original owner, and has kept the vehicle in immaculate condition.

The Impala, which has more than 80 percent of its original paint and most original accessories, is valuable to Cracraft for personal reasons rather than monetary reasons.

"The car has so much originality to it. Since the owner was gracious enough to give it to me, I've taken care of it and kept it and just can't sell." Cracraft said.

Trophies will be awarded to winning vehicles at 3 p.m., including a trophy for Boyd's Pick, the award for the favorite car of the day. The award is in memory of former River City Rodders member and founder Boyd Morton.

Several local businesses will be open during the event, and the River City Rodders will have maps highlighting those shops and the products and services they provide.

"One of the reasons we moved the event to downtown Cape is so the spectators will take the opportunity to stop by the shops and restaurants in the downtown area." Essner said.

For more information on the show, visit the River City Rodders website at www.rivercityrodders.com.

Pertinent address:

Main Street, Cape Girardeau, MO