Classic cars to cruise into Cape this weekend

From shiny Chevy sedans with big fins to rusty rat rods, about 250 eye-catching vehicles are expected to roll into downtown Cape Girardeau for the River Tales Classic Car Show.

Cruise-ins in Cape and Jackson are planned for Saturday evening, with the car show in Cape starting at 9 a.m. Sunday and running until 4 p.m.

"You're liable to see just about anything down there," said John Mayfield of the River City Rodders car club, which sponsors the show.

The show typically draws participants from about a 100-mile radius, Mayfield said, although classic car owners passing through the area from as far away as Colorado have been known to join the fun.

"I've had a lot of calls from people out of town -- Farmington (Missouri), St. Louis and Illinois ... people wanting information about it," Mayfield said.

To compete, cars must be at least 10 years old, but newer models are welcome as display-only entries, Mayfield said.

Entrants -- who can register on the spot -- must pay a $15 registration fee, but spectators can admire the vehicles for free, Mayfield said.

"Lot of people love to just come look at the cars, and it's free. Doesn't cost them anything," he said.

Mayfield said he expects at least a thousand people to turn out to see the cars.

Weather has a big impact on turnout, Mayfield said.

Last year, the weather was pleasant, and about 250 cars showed up -- a number he hopes to match this year -- but for the five previous years, rain dampened the festivities, he said.

"We were due for a good weekend," Mayfield said. "... The weather plays a big part on a car show."

Judging from the forecast, organizers should see another good weekend this year.

A cold front rolled through the area Wednesday night, bringing storms and cooler temperatures to Southeast Missouri.

The National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky, is calling for Saturday to be partly sunny and Sunday to be mostly sunny, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s both days.

Mayfield said early afternoon Sunday -- sometime between noon and 2 p.m. -- is probably the best time to see the cars, as registration ends at noon, and entrants will be parked and waiting for the awards ceremony.

Mayfield said the event, now in its 34th year, began at Town Plaza shopping center, then moved to Capaha Park before finding its way downtown about six years ago.

"Downtown merchants kind of wanted us down there," he said.

Mayfield said participants enjoy checking out downtown shops -- especially antique stores -- while they wait for judging to begin.

Isle Casino Cape Girardeau will be running shuttles this year so participants can visit the casino while their rides are parked downtown, awaiting judging, Mayfield said.

Awards will be given in 32 categories, ranging from complete restorations to modifications, military vehicles, rat rods and "projects" -- works in progress that are drivable but not quite showroom-worthy.

The club also honors the late Boyd Martin, a founding member, with its "Boyd's Pick" -- a best-in-show award, Mayfield said.

Organizers begin planning the show sometime around February, Mayfield said, lining up sponsors and distributing fliers at other car shows.

The show will stretch down Main Street from Broadway to Hutson's Fine Furniture.

"Last year, it was pretty full. We were cramming them in there," Mayfield said.

He said he plans to bring his 1970 Mustang fastback -- one of four Mustangs he owns -- to the show.

Proceeds from the event will go to Toy Box, Safe House for Women and other charities.

epriddy@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

Downtown Cape Girardeau, MO