Among the classic 1930s-era Model T's, GTOs and tricked out Corvettes sat a red Ford Mustang unlike any other during the 25th Annual Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals Saturday at Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark.
It had more bells and whistles than many regular car show attendees and participants had ever seen before, including a flat-screen television, neon under carriage lights, DVD player, enhanced taillights and a Viper alarm system. It also was the smallest Ford Mustang at the Street Meet and owned by its youngest participant, 4-year-old Chase Nieberding, Eldon.
Chase is proud of his Power Wheels red Ford Mustang custom vehicle, which is large enough for him to cruise the Bagnell Dam Strip in style. Chase's father and mother, Tony and Jennifer, bought the Power Wheels Ford Mustang for their son at Christmas more than two years ago. A friend helped create a custom car for Chase, much like the red Ford Mustang his dad had from 1996-2008 and showed at several car shows throughout the Midwest, as well.
Tony's photography business came in handy today as he captured many scenes from the Street Meet and enjoyed helping Chase show his tricked out vehicle. However, this was not Chase's first appearance at the Street Meet Nationals, which showcases thousands of classic and custom cars, motorcycles and trucks annually, or his first time competing or winning an award for his car.
"Chase and his Power Wheels Ford Mustang have won 10 plaques or trophies," Tony said.
"He also won a plaque last year at the Street Meet, has won a first place special interest award at the First Baptist Church Car Show and been featured in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch for the Easter Car Show," Jennifer added.
Tony added Chase and his Ford Mustang also earned second place at the Lake Ozark Lions Club Benefit Car show that is held at School of the Osage High School parking lot and is currently featured on the show flyer. Among other awards, Chase and his Ford Mustang were one of 25 top Mustangs at one car show and have earned People's Choice awards, as well.
When asked why Chase enjoys showing his vehicle and attending the Street Meet, he smiled and gave a thumbs up. However, being without words and producing big smiles is a common theme for visitors and participants alike at the annual Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals in Lake Ozark.
Hosted by the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and presented by Iguana Watersports, the 25th Annual Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals is the largest show of its kind in central Missouri and continues to grow each year, bringing thousands of people to Lake of the Ozarks from across the country.
The show is held from Friday through today, and guests enjoy walking Bagnell Dam Strip and viewing hundreds of spectacular vehicles, artists, entertainment, vendor village and additional activities during the show. The Street Meet includes every make and model of car, truck and motorcycle, all at one location, on the historic Strip in Lake Ozark.
This year, event organizers introduced a new pre-show activity for car show participants Thursday with the Aces High Poker Run. In addition, the popular "Make and Take" model car event celebrated its tenth year on Saturday at the White House, in which families assembled a model car and take it home free of charge.
The Daybreak Rotary organization also gave away a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro Saturday for its Eighth Annual Auto Raffle.
In its third year, the GenerationNext (GenNEXT) show was held Saturday at Monarch Plaza in Lake Ozark as part of the 25th Annual Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals.
Guests to GenNEXT were able to see newer custom cars, street machines and hot rods tricked out to the max, along with additional vendors and exciting activities. After the daylong show, visitors enjoyed the Oldies Rock 'n' Roll Legends Show at Bootleggers Saturday evening. Fun and games were included along with a DB Drag competition to see who had the loudest sound system and the "Slow Drag" where cars race right in the parking lot. For that event, the first one across the finish line loses.
Guests can still view more than 1,000 cars, trucks and motorcycles lined up on the Strip today. Judging will take place Sunday morning followed by the awards ceremony at 1 p.m. at Luby's stage, which will be the conclusion of the 2013 Magic Dragon Street Meet. Admission is free and the public is welcome to attend. Public parking will be available at local churches, or at the campground just below the dam, offering spectators the convenience of daily parking for a minimal donation to youth organizations.
For more information, contact the Lake Area Chamber at 573-964-1008 or visit www.magicdragoncarshow.com.
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Accompanying photo: Street Meet cars on display