Legal street racing on Route 66 – in Bristow? A 75-vehicle car show next to vendors selling taboli at the Tabouleh Festival? Yes and yes.
The Southern Plains Mopar Fest (SPMF) came to town May 12-13 for the first time, co-existing well, many said, with the 35th Tabouleh Festival on May 12th . The Mopar fest offered a car show, drag racing, and a swap meet. The popular Tabouleh Festival celebrated Lebanese culture with 87 vendors selling merchandise on Main Street (Route 66), music, wine tasting, kids fun zone, and belly dancing. Shayna Thompson, a key volunteer with Bristow’s Lions Noon Club, who sponsored the Tabouleh Festival, estimated 7,200 people attended.
Doug Cataline and Matt Hindi, co-owners of SPMF, moved the car centric event to Bristow this year after collaborating with Bristow’s Historical Society to raise money to “relocate, restore, and relight” the 102-foot Chrysler-Plymouth tower sitting near 9 th and Main Streets to be a Route 66 attraction. Paid registration for the car show, racing, swap meet, and people buying a brick from the Historical Society will help repair the tower. So far, the Bristow Historical Society has raised over $5,000 selling engraved bricks.
On Friday, May 12th from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Mopar vehicles raced each other for oneeighth of a mile on South Roland Street by Bristow’s Crown Auto World dealership. Mopar is a term meaning “motor parts” and is an umbrella name for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Fiat, and Ram vehicles and parts. After that, it was open drag racing for any type vehicle. Typical vehicles seen were a 1971 Road Runner driven by Matt Hindi and a 2009 Dodge Super Bee with a 6.1-liter V8 engine raced by Sawyer Young from Yukon. Bristow’s Fire and Police Departments provided safety assistance.
Events on Saturday took off with speed during a one mile and 5K run at the 35 th Wildflower Run. Two hundred and seventy-seven participants, ages 5 to 85 walked or ran. It was organized by Dr. Chip Cooper to promote health. “Our whole purpose is to make Bristow the fittest town in Oklahoma.”
By midday, six blocks of Main Street were packed with visitors. Main Street stores like Route 66 Artisans on Main, The Purple Penguin, and B&D Cowboy Depot opened for business. This year’s Miss Tabouleh and Woodland Queens were announced.
Signs of Lebanese culture were present. St. Joseph Alter Society, B-Town Grill, and four other vendors sold fresh taboli and the Lions Noon Club sold Bishop Brothers’ taboli salad mix donated to them. Tulsa’s Raqs Bellydance group of seven danced Raqs Sharqi, Shabbi, and traditional (classic) dances.
Why hold a Tabouleh festival? David Barnett, a Lions Club volunteer, said, “It honors our heritage in conjunction with the Wildflower Run.” Kristin Weaver of Bristow is a fourth-generation descendant of Joe Abraham, a city businessman.
“The Lebanese pioneers of Bristow were industrious, pragmatic citizens. The contributions they made to our town are still enjoyed today.” Local businessman selling taboli in Bristow.
Tom Korkames owns Pro-Tech Termite Pest Services and is a third generation Lebanese. He said, “Tabouleh Festival is a great way for visitors to learn about Lebanese culture and food.”
Mid-day, Thompson said the Tabouleh fest was going well. “Our lines are long and we’re selling lots of taboli.” Bristow Mayor Kris Wyatt enjoyed both festivals. She encouraged more events and business to come to Bristow. “We’re anticipating more growth. We’re on historic Route 66. We have small town charm here. “
Hindi was pleased with the turnout of 75 cars from 9 states. “It’s going great. This is just awesome.” Shining, survivor (original) and restored cars parked next to each other.
See Festival Page Three A 1969 Dodge Charger with a 6.1-liter Hemi engine and 18inch front Mag wheels. Nearby, a 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner displayed its 383 HP engine. Paul Rossi, a former Sportsman racer, showed off his 1970 Dodge Challenger with a 440 HP engine. Cataline and Hindi gave out 30 car awards.
Back on Route 66, Dodges, Plymouths, and Chevys growled, shrieked, and smoked tires while competing. Tracy from Dallas, driving a 1968 Dodge Dart with a 318 engine, said he’s “Havin fun.” Buddy, driving a 1975 A100 Dodge pick-up, exclaimed, “I’m a Mopar or no car.”
Festivals occur because of organizers, volunteers, and donors.
Tabouleh Festival Lead Planner Stacey Shields said, “Bristow Noon Lions Club isproud to carry on Bristows annual tradition, Tabouleh Fest, celebrating Lebanese heritage.” She is grateful to Leslie Alexander, Tiffany Honeycutt, Chapman Shields, and Shayna Thompson for being key volunteers. Net proceeds go to “eye glass recycling, providing free visions screenings to local children, and assisting with the purchase of eye exams and eye glasses for those in need in our community”.
Fifteen donors supported the Tabouleh Festival. Rainbow Health Care Community and Mainer Auto Sales are Diamond ($1000) and Platinum ($500) donors, respectfully. Brenda May, an administrator at Rainbow, explained why.
“We just try to support the town, our schools and our people.” Calvin Chapman, a salesman at Mainer, said, “We support the community that supports us.”
Thirty-one donors supported the Mopars car fest, including Crown Auto World, Central Oklahoma Mopar Association, and Corwin Family Dentistry.
Two events, two days, one town - another Bristow success story.