The ninth annual Hot Summer Nights cruised to the Bagnell Dam Strip at the Lake of the Ozarks on Friday, May 13, to kick-off its summer-long, family-oriented showcase of classic cars, trucks and motorcycles.
The first theme was "Route 66 Detour to the Lake" and celebrated Route 66's 90th year; it first opened in November 1926 in Springfield, Missouri.
A Route 66 Village was set up at Luby's Plaza and guests included the executive director of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, Bill Kelly. Tommy Pike, president of the Route 66 Association of Missouri, and other members of the association, including Joe Sonderman who has written several books on Route 66, such as "Route 66 Missouri," and "Route 66 in St. Louis (Images of America)," were also be at the event. Representatives from the Route 66 Missouri Welcome Centers on I-44 in Conway and Lebanon were also on site visiting with guests.
A special opening took place as Dan Lennon, executive director of the Missouri Department of Tourism, invited a trio of family members from the famous Lennon entertainment family, who sang the Star Spangled Banner.
Four additional Hot Summer Nights events are to be held through September, each with their own special theme. On June 10, attendees are encouraged to put their tops down and cruise to the Lake to honor the classic "Rag Tops and T-Tops."
The event on July 8 will focus on "Rats, Rods and Street Machines," where plenty of tricked out, street legal hot rods will be on full display.
On Aug. 12, "Since '66: 50 Years of Cruising the Strip" commemorates the history of the Bagnell Dam Strip as well as the Lake Area. Many vendors and businesses along the Strip will offer special 1960s prices on merchandise and more, according to the news release.
The final event of the season, which takes place Sept. 9, is called "Vettes for Veterans" and will be a patriotic tribute to veterans featuring the Lake of the Ozarks Corvette Club. This installment features a parade for local military veterans, a fly-over by the KC Flight Team, as well as a 21-gun salute. In 2015, more than 100 local military heroes joined the "Vettes for Veterans" parade.
Hot Summer Nights is not a car show and participation is free. Car owners are asked to show up with their ride and park to showcase their vehicle.
For additional information, contact Jeff VanDonsel at 573-365-2460 or Bob Schwartz at 314-650-5767. To keep up on all the monthly themes and specials, follow Hot Summer Nights at its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cruisehotsummernights or visit www.hotsummernightscruise.com.