Car enthusiasts gather in Cape Girardeau for 2 events


CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) – This weekend is all about classic and new cars in downtown Cape Girardeau.

From hot rods to electric vehicles, Broadway and Main Street looked like a rolling car show on Saturday, September 14 with two separate events.

The first one, the “Jack to the Future” Electric Vehicle Show, kicked off at Century Casino from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The free family-friendly event featured a vendor area, hands-on demonstrations and dozens of electric vehicles of different makes and models on display.

Organizers say there is an increased interest in electric vehicles in Cape Girardeau.

“We’re seeing a lot more vehicles registered in Cape County. I think there is 150 or 160 electric vehicles registered in Cape,” said Brian Noto, director of energy at EVTV Motor Verks. “This is really good and an opportunity for people to meet and to see other vehicles other than when they’re just driving around or at one of the charge locations.”

Electric vehicle enthusiasts were excited to showcase their vehicles.

One EV owner from New York shared why he came to the event to discuss electric vehicles and the future of this type of auto industry.

“A lot of the stuff that happens here in Cape goes across the globe, so you have people who are doing their own conversions at home,” said EV owner Jason Horak.

An organizer of the show said the event is very special to her because it honors her late father and EV pioneer, Jack Rickard.

“People come in from all over the world so it really helps get more foot traffic and business to the Cape Girardeau area and being his hometown, it’s kind of an homage to him as well, my father,” said organizer Jackie Rickard.

The event was hosted by EVTV Motor Verks and Rickard Electric.

This was the sixth year of the event. Organizers hope to make it an annual event.

After the EV show, vehicles from several decades started arriving Saturday evening in Cape Girardeau for the 46th annual Manifolds on Main Street.

Dozens of classic vehicles could be seen and heard from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. traveling on Broadway for the “Cruisin’ Cape” portion of the event.

As they made their way down the street, participants stopped at Capaha Park for free barbecue, music, door prizes and more.

Sunday is the main event for Manifolds on Main Street with a free car show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The show will feature more than 200 vehicles, 32 vehicle classes and trophies for best engine, best paint, best interior and more.

New this year, organizers are hosting a Hot Wheels car race for children. They can pick out a brand new Hot Wheels car for free to race on the special track. The winner will receive a trophy.

Organizers say this is the largest car show between St. Louis and Memphis.

Proceeds from the show are used to support Toy Box, Safe House of Southeast Missouri and other nonprofits.

The annual event is hosted by Old Town Cape and the River City Rodders.


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