Car enthusiasts displayed 76 cars and pickup trucks at the 5th (third time in Bristow) Southern Plains Mopar Fest (SPMF) on Main Street (Route 66), Oct. 4. Additionally, 30 vendors set out merchandise, services and food products for attendees. Doug Cataline, owner/operator of the SPMF, estimated 4,500 people attended.
On the SPMF’s first day, Oct. 3, participants in 30 vehicles drove 62 miles, stopping at seven attractions on Route 66 to pick up playing cards to earn the best poker hand. Please see accompanying article for that story.
Cataline loves Mopar vehicles and shares that enthusiasism with Bristow officials by making our town the SPMF showcase. Participants from six states responded. Chrysler 300s, Newports, Barracudas (A-Body), Cudas (E-Body), Superbirds, Road Runners, Super Bees, Chargers, and pickup trucks gleamed in the bright, hot sun on two sides of Route 66 for three blocks.
According to Motortrend.com, Chrysler Corp. introduced Mopar (combination of “motor” and “parts”) products in 1937. “When talking with an enthusiast, a Mopar car is one built by one of the original Chrysler Corp. brands, which in order of ascendancy are Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, Ram, Chrysler, and Imperial.” Jeep is considered a Mopar because Chrysler bought the brand in 1987.
The most unusual entry was an original 1942 Dodge WC54 ambulance painted in drab green. Its owner, 26-year Army veteran Kevin Hicks of Chandler, brings it to some car shows “because it’s a tribute to the greatest generation.” It won a Top 30 plaque.
Two guests from the Mopar world flew in to talk with visitors. Paul Rossi, a Mopar representative and champion National Hot Rod Association drag racer from 1963-2000, happily showed off his 1970 Dodge Challenger. Claudia Abel, Miss 1984 Direct Connection (DC) came from Detroit. She said, “What an opportunity to drive, walk and visit…the nostalgic Route 66.” Chrysler formed DC to sell high performance parts through catalogs.
Why hold the SPMF in Bristow? Cataline replied, “We all are hobbyists and we love the Chrysler Plymouth name...The second reason is to bring absolute awareness to the Chrysler Plymouth Tower that‘s in this awesome little town…in the crossroads of America…So it gave me inspiration to do a show here.” The 1949 “Tower of Power” is being repaired to be installed at the corner of Main and 9th Streets in the summer of 2026.
Car judging occurred from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. Admirers looking at vehicles listened to the “Tempest Revival” band from Tulsa, who played classic hits from the 70s to the 90s done in an original way, according to Jade, the lead singer. There were lots of lunch and beverage choices from food trucks. “Sales have been very good because of the car show,” said Jordayn Fleetwood of the storefront Buffalo Beverage Company.
The awards presentation, a key event that car owners wait for, started at 2:00 p.m. Top 30 plaques were given first, then special awards. Highlights: Leslie Foster of Ebgerton, Kansas, received “Claudia’s pick” (signed photo of her) for a 1971 Dodge Charger and Scott Wood took home the Sponsor’s Award for a 1961 Plymouth.
Two top awards went to Kerri Somerville of Edmond. Her spotless, white 1947 Dodge Power Wagon (pickup truck) won the B.A.M.F. (three foot trophy) and Best of Show (enamel guitar) awards. She and her husband were thrilled – they were participating in a car cruise in Mustang that afternoon, so with two awards, they were on top of the car world.
Cataline generiously donated $500 to Bristow’s FAA and $1,000 to its Historical Society to use to relight the 102-foot Chrysler Plymouth Tower. Forty-eight sponsors made financial and in-kind donations to make the event a success.
The SPMF contributes to Bristow’s ability to draw people downtown to attend free, fun activities. In a text, Mayor Kris Wyatt wrote that, “Events like the Southern Plains Mopar Fest help draw people to our community, supporting local businesses and showcasing the charm that makes Bristow such a special stop along Route 66.” Why do car buffs like Mopar cars? Cataline thought, then said, “Everything is classic and if you like cars, you have to be here because you'll love these cars. They're old and old is cool.”