Cruisin' Uptown show draws more than 500 car aficionados to Jackson

Saturday's car show in Jackson had so many entries, organizers plan to make it a regular summer feature held the second Saturday of every month, concluding in September.

Car enthusiasts came out to view the muscle cars, street rods, antique cars, classic and special-interest cars, trucks and custom motorcycles that were on display from 6 to 9 p.m. Organizers estimated at least 500 people came to enjoy the show.

The show was organized by Jackson Community Outreach, which won statewide recognition in 2009 when it received the Outstanding Events Award from the Missouri Municipal League, and the River City Rodders, a car club that has operated in and around Cape Girardeau for more than 30 years.

"This is the first year a show like this has taken place in Jackson," said Jerry Burgess, a member of both the Jackson Community Outreach board and the River City Rodders. He was happy with the more than 85 cars displayed at the show.

"We were initially hoping for at least 25 cars to show up and that the event would grow from there," said Jackson mayor Barbara Lohr. "So if we get this kind of a turnout every time we have a car show, we'll feel like we've done well."

Lohr said she hopes to convey to visitors what life in Jackson is like through events like the car show, the farmers market and the century-old tradition of the annual Homecomers celebration.

Carol Irvine of St. Louis drove down to the event with her husband in a black two-door 1955 Ford. She said they were impressed with the number of classic cars at the event, which ranged from vintages like a 1967 Ford Mustang to rarities like a 1939 Ford with the 460 Ford motor inside.

"We'll definitely be back next month," Irvine said.