Revving Up for the Homestead Festival Car Show: A Showcase of Automotive Brilliance

The Homestead Festival Car Show in Princeton, Illinois, has once again captivated the hearts of automotive enthusiasts, showcasing a dazzling array of vintage, classic, and modern vehicles. The event, held on September 8th, 2024, was a true celebration of the passion and craftsmanship that goes into these beloved machines.

Unleashing the Power of Automotive Artistry

Honoring the Legends: Mayoral and Steering Committee Choices

The Homestead Festival Car Show was a testament to the enduring allure of classic automobiles. Among the standout winners were Mike Peterson of Port Byron, who was named the Mayor's Choice winner with his 1972 Chevrolet K-20, and Larry Kohr of La Salle, who took home the Steering Committee Choice award for his 1971 Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible. The prestigious Bill Wirges Craftsman Award was presented to Ron Bernard of Marseilles for his meticulously restored 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk.

A Parade of Automotive Eras: Class Winners Unveiled

The car show was divided into various classes, each showcasing the unique charms of vehicles from different eras. In the Antique-Pre 1959 category, Bill Duncan of Sterling took first place with his 1959 Chevrolet Impala, while John and Becky Kehoe of Mendota impressed with their 1930 Ford Model A Coupe. The Restored/Original 1960-1969 class was dominated by Larry Roth of Colona and his 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396, followed by Jim Knight of Ashton and his 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1.

Muscle Car Madness: Restored/Original 1970-1979 Standouts

The Restored/Original 1970-1979 class was a true showcase of automotive muscle. Bud and Kim Cruse of Dixon claimed the top spot with their 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1, while Mike Tara of Tiskilwa and his 1970 Ford Mustang and Rick Robinson of Davenport with his 1972 Dodge Challenger rounded out the podium.

Embracing the Modern Era: Restored/Original 1980-1989 and Beyond

As the decades progressed, the car show also celebrated the beauty and innovation of more recent automotive designs. In the Restored/Original 1980-1989 class, Keith and Teresa Haga of Galva took first place with their 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS. The Restored/Original 1990-2015 category saw Drea Sluis of Henry and her 2014 Dodge Viper SRT claim the top spot, while the Restored/Original 2016-Present class was dominated by Jim Reynolds of Streator and his 2017 Dodge Challenger T/A.

Unleashing the Need for Speed: Race Cars and Pro Street Machines

The Homestead Festival Car Show also paid tribute to the adrenaline-fueled world of race cars and pro street machines. Walt Brandt of Sterling took the top honors in the Race Car/Pro Street class with his 1967 Oldsmobile 442, while Linda, John, and Dana Glenn of Port Byron impressed with their 1963 Chevrolet Nova II.

Corvette Royalty: Celebrating the Iconic American Sports Car

No car show would be complete without a dedicated class for the legendary Chevrolet Corvette. Larry Evoskis of Spring Valley claimed the top spot with his 1966 Chevrolet Corvette L72, while Keith Smith of La Moille and his 1961 Chevrolet Corvette and Craig Jenkins of Clinton with his 1979 Chevrolet Corvette L82 also earned recognition.

Embracing Global Diversity: The Allure of Imported Vehicles

The Homestead Festival Car Show also celebrated the global diversity of the automotive world, with a dedicated class for imported vehicles. Bill Garthe of Peru and his 1980 Datsun 280 ZX took the top prize, followed by Karl Wollerman of Sheffield and his 1987 Mitsubishi Conquest.

Honoring the Craftsmanship of Street Rods and Modified Classics

The car show also recognized the exceptional craftsmanship and creativity of street rod and modified classic enthusiasts. Lauria Bass of Fulton and her 1929 Ford Roadster claimed the top spot in the Street Rods class, while Tom Danhof of Sparling and his 1956 Chevrolet 210 dominated the Modified Pre-1959 category.

Celebrating the Diversity of Truck and Jeep Enthusiasts

The Homestead Festival Car Show also embraced the diverse world of trucks and Jeeps. Mike Peterson of Port Byron once again made his mark, this time with his 1972 Chevrolet K-20, which won the 4x4 Trucks class. Tyler Thompson of Princeton impressed with his 1946 Willys CJ in the Jeep category, while Gary Daniel of Peoria took the top spot in the 2-Wheel Trucks class with his 1954 Chevrolet COE.

Honoring the Unfinished and the Unconventional: Rat Rods and More

The car show also celebrated the unique charm of unfinished projects and unconventional creations. Dalen Fillenwarth of Princeton and his 1971 Plymouth Barracuda claimed the Unfinished class, while Kyle Jackson of Princeton and his 1941 Chevrolet Pickup took the top spot in the Rat Rod category.

Revving Up the Motorcycle Enthusiasm: A Diverse Showcase

The Homestead Festival Car Show also paid tribute to the world of motorcycles, with various classes showcasing the passion and craftsmanship of two-wheeled enthusiasts. Brian Walters of Princeton and his 2005 Harley Fat Boy claimed the Modified/Custom Motorcycles class, while Korey Rokey of Princeton and his 2013 Harley Street Glide took the top spot in the Touring Mixed Motorcycles category.

Driving the Future: Cape Girardeau's Electric Car Showcase Captivates Crowds

Cape Girardeau, Missouri, has become the epicenter of electric vehicle enthusiasm, as the city welcomed the "Jack to the Future" electric car show hosted by the Cape Girardeau Casino. This annual event has gained significant traction, attracting attendees and exhibitors from across the United States and beyond, showcasing the latest advancements in sustainable transportation technology.

Powering the Future, One Charge at a Time

Expanding the Reach of Electric Vehicles

The "Jack to the Future" electric car show has evolved from a niche event to a must-attend destination for electric vehicle enthusiasts and curious consumers alike. The organizers, led by the Director of Energy, Brian Noto, have made a concerted effort to broaden the event's appeal, targeting local residents who may have been hesitant about electric vehicles in the past."This year, we decided to expand the car show to more of the local consumers," Noto explained. "They've always come to the car show, but we promoted it a lot more locally. We're involved in the electric vehicle business, grid solar power, battery backup, and we are also Tesla charging partners, so we can sell Tesla charging stations."This strategic shift has paid dividends, as the event has seen a surge in local participation, with more and more residents of Cape Girardeau County registering electric vehicles. Noto noted that there are currently around 150 to 160 electric vehicles registered in the county, a testament to the growing interest in sustainable transportation options.

Showcasing Cutting-Edge Electric Vehicles

The "Jack to the Future" electric car show has become a platform for showcasing the latest advancements in electric vehicle technology. Attendees were treated to a diverse array of electric vehicles, ranging from production models to custom-built marvels.One such custom-built electric vehicle that captured the attention of the crowd was the "Seven," engineered by Kevin Smith. This impressive machine boasts an EPA rating of 207 miles per gallon equivalent and a top speed of 130 mph, with a 0-to-60 mph time of just 6.5 seconds. Smith proudly shared the vehicle's impressive resume, revealing that it had even bested Tesla in the Automotive XPRIZE competition, though the latter ultimately prevailed in the business arena.The "Seven" exemplifies the innovative spirit that permeates the electric vehicle industry, as engineers and enthusiasts push the boundaries of what's possible in sustainable transportation. The presence of such custom-built marvels at the "Jack to the Future" event underscores the event's role in showcasing the cutting edge of electric vehicle technology.

Overcoming Skepticism and Promoting Adoption

Despite the growing popularity of electric vehicles, Noto acknowledged that there is still a degree of skepticism and uncertainty among some consumers. He emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for people to experience electric vehicles firsthand, as this can help allay their concerns and foster greater adoption."Electric vehicles for a lot of people are kind of a question mark, and they don't know a lot about them," Noto said. "In California, New York, Washington, Arizona, Texas, and places like that, there's a lot of them, so the adoption has been higher than it has here."To address this challenge, the "Jack to the Future" event offered test drives and opportunities for attendees to interact with electric vehicle owners. Noto expressed the hope that even if the technology may not be a perfect fit for everyone yet, the exposure and education provided at the event could pave the way for greater acceptance and adoption in the future.The "Jack to the Future" electric car show has become a beacon of innovation and sustainability in Cape Girardeau, showcasing the potential of electric vehicles to transform the way we think about transportation. As the event continues to grow and evolve, it promises to play a pivotal role in driving the adoption of clean, efficient, and environmentally-friendly mobility solutions in the region and beyond.

Revving Up for a Corvette Celebration: Showcasing the Passion and Craftsmanship of Automotive Enthusiasts

In the heart of Topeka, Kansas, a vibrant community gathered to celebrate the art of automotive customization and the enduring allure of the Corvette. The 6th annual VBP Vettes Corvette Show brought together car enthusiasts, music lovers, and food connoisseurs for a day filled with the sights, sounds, and flavors that make this event a cherished tradition.

Unleashing the Passion for Corvette Craftsmanship

A Showcase of Automotive Artistry

The VBP Vettes Corvette Show was a testament to the dedication and creativity of Corvette owners. Dozens of meticulously maintained and personalized Corvettes filled the Furniture Mall of Kansas parking lot, each one a unique expression of its owner's passion for the iconic American sports car. From sleek and streamlined models to bold and customized designs, the array of Corvettes on display captivated the attention of attendees, who marveled at the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Enthusiasts

The car show participants shared a common goal: to inspire the younger generation to embrace the art of automotive customization. George Knoll, a participant, eloquently expressed this sentiment, stating, "Maybe I can inspire somebody to keep going and do their car as well as anybody else. I want to do my best and influence other people with my car and younger generations." This desire to pass on the torch of automotive passion was palpable, as the event provided a platform for seasoned enthusiasts to share their knowledge and ignite the spark of curiosity in the minds of the next generation of car lovers.

A Celebration of Community and Camaraderie

The VBP Vettes Corvette Show was more than just a display of stunning automobiles; it was a celebration of community and camaraderie. Attendees mingled, admired the cars, and enjoyed the lively atmosphere, which was further enhanced by the presence of food trucks and a silent auction. The event fostered a sense of shared appreciation for the Corvette, as enthusiasts from all walks of life came together to appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry that went into each vehicle on display.

Recognizing Excellence and Creativity

In addition to the visual feast of Corvettes, the event also featured awards for various categories, including Best Custom and Best of Show. These accolades served to recognize the exceptional work and creativity of the car owners, further fueling the competitive spirit that often drives the automotive enthusiast community. The awards ceremony provided a platform to celebrate the achievements of those who had poured their hearts and souls into their beloved Corvettes, inspiring others to strive for similar levels of excellence.

A Thriving Tradition of Corvette Passion

The 6th annual VBP Vettes Corvette Show was a testament to the enduring appeal of the Corvette and the vibrant community that surrounds it. Year after year, this event has brought together Corvette enthusiasts from near and far, creating a space where the love for these iconic American sports cars can be shared, celebrated, and passed on to future generations. As the sun set on another successful Corvette showcase, the organizers and participants alike looked forward to the next opportunity to revel in the passion and craftsmanship that make the Corvette a true automotive legend.