Shelbyfest deemed a success despite hiccups

By Neal A. Johnson, UD Editor
Posted 5/12/21

Shelbyfest’s Osage County Cruise organizer Dennis Even said that every year there seem to be hiccups and this year was no different — but the event was a success, as 70 Mustangs made their way …

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Shelbyfest deemed a success despite hiccups

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Shelbyfest’s Osage County Cruise organizer Dennis Even said that every year there seem to be hiccups and this year was no different — but the event was a success, as 70 Mustangs made their way through the countryside on Friday.
“The weather was better than forecasted, and we had a great group participate in our cruises both days,” he said. “Everyone had a great time.”
On Thursday, the first group was to meet at the First Assembly of God Church on Rt. C in Jefferson City and depart at 2 p.m. However, Even said there wasn’t enough notice and only one driver showed up. This drive was already made difficult because the group intended to drive to Gravois Mill to check out the new Ozarks International Raceway that is still under construction.
“We checked it out the Saturday before and saw that it was nowhere near ready for anyone to visit,” said Even. “The road was in rough shape and no one was going to want to drive their Mustang on it.”
On Friday, Dennis and his wife, Laura, were headed to Jefferson City for the 2 p.m. run through Osage County when his Mustang had mechanical trouble. “The car broke down on the side of the road and we couldn’t make it so we canceled the early run,” he said. “We got it fixed and were ready for the later drive so that worked out.”
The cruise began at the east-end Wal-Mart and went from Shamrock Road to Taos, then to Wardsville to Osage Bend, through Meta, Babbtown, Koeltztown, Freeburg, and Westphalia, and back to Jefferson City, for a cruise-in at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel.
“There were several groups out watching us go by,” said Even. “So many people commented on how cool it was that yards full of people waved as we passed. We appreciate that support.”
One of the best parts of the tour was on Rt. P, where the road winds between hills. “It was so cool to look in the rearview mirror and see a line of Mustangs stretched out behind us,” said Even.
After two days of driving and evenings in which enthusiasts gathered to compare notes, Saturday was the big finale in downtown Jefferson City, where hundreds of people turned out to see the Mustangs.
At noon, the “Moment of Horsepower,” the revving of engines to commemorate all of the great service people who have fallen in the service to our country, along with all first responders who volunteer their time to help others.
“This is an amazing moment,” said Even. “To hear all those Mustangs revving up at the same time is incredible. There are a lot of videos of the event out there, but to experience it yourself in person is amazing.”
All in all, Even said this event is special to him and those like him who appreciate the Mustang, and after missing it last year due to COVID-19, returning this spring was invigorating.
“Our overall attendance was down a bit but we had a good crowd on Saturday and to have 70 cars go through Osage County was great,” Even said. “We’re just glad we got it back this year with some kind of normalcy.”